[Greenbuilding] OT What car?

[Susannah Meininger]

I'm a little late stepping in here, but just wanted to let Reuben 
know he's not the only one doing construction car-free, or almost :).

I thought _I_ was the only one, until I met another builder in my own 
city (Eugene, Oregon, US).   I do own a gas-powered vehicle, but it 
is an effort to make sure i use it at least once every month or two, 
to keep all moving parts moving and lubricated. I too move a lot of 
materials and tools by bike cart, choose jobs within biking range for 
me and my crew, etc.  I have been known to rent a truck to pick up 
large loads of materials, but I don't worry too much about having 
stuff delivered either if it's in quantities for which there's no 
charge -- at my level of business, I would not own a big flatbed even 
if I were not into the car-free thing.

The small daily, and medium weekly, runs to local suppliers can be 
done by bike with and without trailer.  This leaves me only using my 
gas vehicle (and its trailer) for dump runs and for loads of 
extra-heavy materials in quantities too big for bike / too small for 
delivery, such as concrete blocks or long lumber.  Cast iron sinks, 
fridges, cabinets if not too many, trees and shrubs up to 8', all are 
easy and fun by bike.

I think the fun part often gets left out of these discussions, but 
for those of us who bike it's a prime motivator.  Having the sun or 
rain on your face, the breeze on your hair, taking the backstreets 
and alleys to avoid traffic, is a joy -- much in contrast to the 
frustrations and boredom of driving. In urban areas, it is rare to 
finds a trip that takes longer by bike than by car.  Often biking is 
faster. I suppose this is due to the ability to easily detour around 
traffic snarls, and the decreased time getting in and out of parking 
areas.  It's spring; give it a try :).