6 Motivating Reasons I Sold My Car 5 Years Ago to Start Biking

This decision has improved my life so much.

At 28 years old, I’ve been reflecting on my life decisions, and selling my car was one of the best ones. In a time of exasperation and inspiration, I decided to try the cyclist lifestyle. While I’d been working a job I hated and getting over a terrible breakup, I’d also been pursuing minimalism.

Before selling my car, I experimented with cycling for my commute; at the time, that meant biking six miles each way in a hilly Nashville, Tennessee landscape. I felt unsure about the process, worrying about the distance and everything that might go wrong.

But I surprised myself by loving the new commute.

After building endurance, the exercise helped clear my head, increase self-reliance, and boost daily energy. I found creative ways to get to events, enjoy the city, and do personal errands. So I sold my car and soon moved to San Francisco, CA, the most bike-friendly city in the United States.

Though I got over the breakup and made plenty of money in tech work, I never bought another car. Though sometimes I want a car for road trips or extended adventures, I’ve consistently found workarounds, i.e., rideshare apps, short-term car rentals, or friends with cars.

Overall, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. If you’re considering making this lifestyle choice, here are a few motivating factors to consider:

1. Saving so much money

Even if you get a fancy bike with bells and whistles, you’d still save money. Over the past few years, I’ve saved several thousands of dollars by not owning a car. I haven’t had to pay for gas, monthly car insurance, vehicle-related tickets, or pricey maintenance fees.

Even though I bought a used car with a single payment, the expenses add up. When I made the decision, my car battery had slowly died, and repairs cost more than I paid for the car. Since I was already trying to quit my job, why not try something wild like not owning a car?

My new hybrid commuter bike cost less than $500 with another $100 for a quality lock and helmet. Plus, when I moved across the country, I happily gave the bike to my housemate who wanted one. I could buy another bike in San Francisco, which I did for a similar price.

2. Increasing fitness and longevity

Before making the switch, I worried about building endurance and being sweaty for work. Thankfully, my office had showers, and I started carrying work clothes in my backpack. Despite needing two showers most days, I felt so good.

Plus, instead of risking more car crashes, I began increasing my longevity. I’ve never felt like a great driver (and have gotten into several minor accidents), so biking felt safer.

The six-mile route did take some time to get used to, but I let myself ease into it. I walked up hills when I needed to and stopped to catch my breath when I felt tired. Plus, I experimented before committing to it.

As a bonus, the physical exertion helped me get over the breakup. Hooray for exercise!

3. Feeling self-sufficient and spontaneous

The daily biking trips completely shifted my city experience. Each day I considered weather conditions, new biking routes, and navigation for running errands like grocery shopping.

Watching the sunrise in the morning while biking over the bridge felt especially beautiful. I also met new people in the sustainability space, witnessed numerous gorgeous views, and learned to navigate way better than I did while relying on Google Maps.

Of course, things happen, and stuff “goes wrong.” When it rains, I’ve had to make arrangements. Sometimes I use a rideshare app or ask a friend for a ride (or make a new friend). Plus, I usually have the option to walk, even if it takes a long time. Oh, and I typically have public transit options too.

In San Francisco, a notably hilly city, I often use electric bikes. An app-based membership plan and frequent rides cost me less than $50 per month.

When I visited my brother in Chicago, Illinois, or a close friend in West Palm Beach, Florida, I felt more spontaneous. While in Chicago, I got around using public transit, rideshare options, and a borrowed bike. In West Palm Beach, we walked or used a scooter bike. So many new adventures!

4. Having more fun

I used to bike all the time as a kid. I’d play with my friends in the neighborhood, screaming with joy as I flew down steep hills, and practiced biking with no hands. At some point, we stopped biking and “grew up.”

But we need playtime; it sparks creativity and makes us feel alive. Cycling regularly (or walking) helps me feel playful, even when life gets intense. I smell the flowers and appreciate the scenery more often.

In San Francisco, I started biking to Ocean Beach for fun, rode with a cycling group through stunning local sights, and even got to the top of Mount Diablo.

Who doesn’t want an extra dose of fun in their lives?

5. Expanding human happiness

When I started biking in Nashville, I noticed people in cars usually gave me the right of way. I received more smiles and waves; it was almost strange. But I assume road rage doesn’t happen as often when you’re face to face with another human; it’s easier to be friendly.

The “happiest” places in the world seem to be more cyclist and pedestrian-friendly. For example, Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Copenhagen, Denmark prioritize bicycles. Since daily commute traffic causes significant unhappiness, improving commutes can greatly increase happiness.

As someone who used to have a 60-minute commute via shuttle (working at a large company), sitting in traffic daily takes a toll on well-being.

Most American cities prioritize cars, which reduces well-being. We need regular access to social time and exercise, and bikeable cities can help make that happen.

6. Improving our planet

As I’ve been researching for this article, I discovered motor vehicles cause the most risk for cyclists. Without cars, cycling would be a very safe commute option. Your chances of injury while riding in a car are higher than on a bike.

Plus, with more cyclists, there are fewer gas emissions and waste. Bicycles are environmentally friendly, and biking just feels good. The physical, social, environmental, and overall well-being benefits from biking make it a positive choice for our environment as a whole.

Oh, and the more people trade cars for bikes, the fewer cement parking lots we’ll need. Who actually enjoys looking at those black spaces anyway?

There are numerous personal, social, economic, and environmental reasons to ride a bike. If it’s something you’re considering, which I assume it is since you’ve read this far, then I encourage you to start experimenting!

• Are there any errands that you could do by walking or biking?
• Do you have access to a bike? Or affordable options nearby?
• Do you live near walkable cities or neighborhoods?

More than decluttering your wardrobe, this simple living choice might be more challenging initially. But the decision has been so worth it for many people. Getting rid of my car helped me clear the noise, let go of status attachment, and create space for more meaningful activities.

Instead of spending my time and energy on maintaining a motor vehicle, I’ve been cycling, dancing, adventuring, and giving myself more time for rest. Without making that transition, I might not have had the motivation or courage to move across the country and leave abusive relationships.

With grounded transport, I feel independent, and I make bolder choices.

Also, moving to a walkable and bikeable city has made a significant difference for me. Numerous studies show that walkability notably improves life quality — but I’ll save that spiel for another article.

You always know what’s best for you. But if you’re on the fence about selling your car, I encourage you to get curious about your fears and consider new perspectives.

Have you gone car-free yet? Are you experimenting? Let me know!

I write inspiring, uplifting, and empowering content on transformative topics. Join the Weekly Love News on my website to receive creative offerings each week (Tuesdays) in your email inbox.