Dumping Driving

Zipcar's third annual Low Car Diet challenges 30 applicants in each of several major cities to go car-free for 30 days. On the surface, participants have it easy – bus tickets, pedometers, gift certificates for bicycle tune-ups, free grocery delivery, Zipcar memberships and allowances, and a glut of maps and brochures and other swag are handed out just for trying. From another perspective, however, this could make the challenge much more focused: forget about cost efficiency breakdowns comparing the car's MPG to the cost of a bus pass, or putting in the hard work of tracking down non-car resources before making the commitment.

Logistically, day in and day out, just how hard is it to go without the capacity to drive off at a moment's notice?

For those curious about what it's really like to give up personal wheels, participants (including this blogger) are strongly encouraged to share their experiences honestly and accurately on Zipcar's website, where photos, blogs, and essays will be featured over the next few weeks.

Photo by Jason McHuff via Creative Commons license.