[DoreenMichele]

In La Jolla, I had a bus pass because I had been running errands. I was tired and we had more stuff to do, so I took the bus since I already had a pass good for the whole day. It didn't cost anything.

My sons walked to meet me somewhere midway to where we were going. They arrived about the same time I did.

I would get ahead of them because the bus is faster -- when it's actually moving. Then we would sit at a light or get stuck in traffic, and I would watch my sons pull ahead of the bus.

When we first gave up our car, it took no more time to pick up groceries on foot than by car. The same scenario often took place, where a car would zoom past us, then get stuck trying to turn into the parking lot. We were going into the store while they were looking for a parking space.

Cars on the open highway going long distances are absolutely much faster than someone walking. But for many local trips, they aren't as advantageous as many Americans assume them to be and will vociferously argue they are when presented with such stories.

[retbull]

I live in a suburb so I have to drive to many places but I have started to notice that even if I can't walk to the store in less than 20 min it feels a ton less stressful than driving for 3 and parking for 5. I should probably get a bike as this is the perfect distance for it.