I wrote off my Camry
I lived without a car for a year.
I was looking forward to a totally car free life.
I pedalled for socialism. I pedalled for effective, safe transport for all socio-economic classes. I pedalled for the planet. Fuck GM. Fuck Saudi Aramco.
I loved it. I was fully capable of doing everything from my work commute to grocery runs on the bike. Then I went through some light mental health trouble. My therapist and I focussed on my lacking social life a lot. Eventually both him and my parents started insisting that I needed a car to have a good social life.
Their reasons were stupid.
>People who drive cars don't like people on bikes
I live in the most bicycle friendly city in my country and even cager attitudes reflect it.
>It's dangerous
See above
>What if you want to go on a holiday
Ever heard of a coach? Maybe my ideal holiday is a bicycle tour?
>What about things like moving house or buying furniture?
I can hire a van on those rare occasions
But my political views are one reason I don't own a car
>Very common excuse for people who just don'e want to drive
But I want to save money
>Don't be a miser. You can spend some money on your comfort.
I fell for their fucking hype. I naively trusted my therapist because he is medical professional, forgetting he is not a civil engineering or economics professional. I got sick of my parents whining because they thought I couldn't be independent with out a car, despite me being able to do everything I need on the bike.
I brought a Mazda 3. It feels great to drive, but I feel like a fucking pig. I've put on weight because its hard to hop on the bike after not getting much sleep the night before when the temptation of the car is there.
I want to sell my car, but I know my parents and my therapist will fucking chew me out for not being in on this filthy capitalist scam. Fuck cars.
>>963350
Move to /o/
>>963363
More like B/o/urgeois. Amirite, comrade?
Buy a Travant
Well it's enough for your parents and the rapist for you to have a car, isn't it?. Doesn't mean you have to drive it.
Just ride your bike instead, mate. Exercise is good for mental health and you could meet up with other cyclists to have social interactions.
If you lack the discipline, just lock away the car keys.
>>963366
CTP and registration tho.
>>963371
Well it's either that or
>I know my parents and my therapist will fucking chew me out
It would also be a good reason for OP to find friends fast.
>>963350
I think you have much bigger issues than owning and driving a car. I'm glad you have professional help.
>>963350
Just remember: Their entire generation is literally the problem with the world.
>>963350
Cycling is great for your mental health, is your therapist an idiot?
>fire therapist
>sell car
>stop talking to parents
>buy better bike with car money
>???????
>fuck you
OP: I'm saying this because the group of people I talk to on /n/ are important to me (there's what, like twenty of us?)
I think you other issues than just the whole transportation deal. Also, despite what people on here will say, it doesn't have to be car VERSUS bike. You can own a motor vehicle and ride your bicycle 7 days a week. I do.
Try to work on finding a healthy balance dude. You're not a sellout because you have a car. And you haven't forfeited your social life when you decide to ride your bike.
If you wanna talk more you can kik me
Hey OP, where do you live?
>>963365
>In other news we built a pedal powered Trabant at work.
>>963531
Canberra Australia, my man.
What do you do for work? Whatever it is, it looks like my dream job.
Crash the car into a group of pedestrians on the street then sue your therapist claiming he convinced you to start driving.
Real talk though, I never liked driving and it always made me scared and stressed. So when I came of age my parents pretty much did the same shit to me. After about a month I said I wasn't going to drive anymore but my mom kept 'forcing' me to do things with the car, picking up my brother from work, getting groceriesetc...and not wanting to be a piece of shit I did it.
Well what I didn't really know was there was this *thing* building inside me, it was built from the combination of fear, stress, and resentment that led me to trying to kill myself via car.
I had picked up my brother from his work and we were driving home and I was just *done* so I just started slowly drifting off the road and my brother started freaking out and the last thing I remember is closing my eyes and just saying "sorry, sorry, sorry" to my brother. Went of an embankment into the woods at like 50 or 60mph....I thank god that my brother and I are fine.
Anyway, if you don't want to drive OP, you really shouldn't.
>>964448
For me, I don't mind driving but I can't trust myself.
I wrote the Camry off driving like an idiot. I can't resist going fast. I'm talking casually going double the speed limit just to spice up my day, like it's nothing. I'm worried I'll hurt myself or someone else.
used to drive a company car for a living, realized I really hate driving.
I keep my license from expiring so I can drive a U-haul or drive someone to the hospital if there was an emergency.
now i ride every day in this shit city with 8 months of snow... I think my therapist is better than yours. for example: cycling in clubs could be a great way to socialize, exercise, and meet people. and a good therapist would know that cardiovascular exercise is great for your mental health.
I'm kind of in a similar situation, OP. The difference is that I haven't broken down and bought a car yet.
If you really want to sell your car, just fucking do it. Tell everyone else that you tried what they suggested and didn't like it as much. If you at least gave it a try, they shouldn't bitch as bad.
Whenever my family suggests I buy a car, I've noticed that the reasons are usually in their interests, not mine. They know I can get by fine on a bike, but bikers aren't seen in the best light in the midwest.
Just do what makes you happy, OP. Others may not understand the choices you make, but that's not your problem.
>>964619
>Being a completely selfish child and imposing yourself on others.
I mean, I knew most of the bikefags on here were immature shortsighted children, but I had no idea it was so pervasive.
>>964622
>imposing yourself on others
So making your own life choices is imposing yourself on others? I would say it's closer to not letting other people impose themselves on you, but whatever mang. I don't really see the problem in leading the kind of life you want, as long as it doesn't hurt others.
Or are you saying that not paying thousands of dollars for a car and insurance for my family's convenience is selfish? If so, I'd say your family is lucky to have someone as devoted to them as you, but don't think that anyone less devoted is a "selfish child".
>>963350
not only an aussiecuck but a fucking commie
kys my man
>>964622
How is choosing to ride a bike an imposition on others?
>>964627
I'm saying that you're freeloading off of your family and friends by refusing to own a reliable means of transportation for nothing but a self serving mindset that "I don't need it since I can just have other people give me rides." I'm sure you'll come up with a convenient excuses(read:lies) that you don't take rides from others, that you get all of your shopping done on bicycle, that it's not your problem you cannot help out others.
It's only a matter of time before people start cutting you out of their lives. Maybe you'll grow up and change before that happens, but I'm not betting on it.
>>963410
Agreed. Fuck all the fat, bloated, complacent, debt-ridden, and gluttonous baby boomers.
>>963377
this to be honest
this cat sounds just like my crazy uncle.
smart as fuck but never can make any friends or date a girl.
he has no kids and has not kissed another human since the 80s
>>964448
You could've at least waited till you got your brother home to go out and kill yourself you piece of shit. Fuck you.
>>964633
So you're saying it's completely impossible for someone to be self sufficient without owning a motor vehicle?
I could tell you that I make a point to keep my lifestyle from inconveniencing others (partially to keep them from saying what you just did), but I'd just be a stupid kid lying to myself, right?
Then again, it's likely that you're the same guy that posted >>964630 and that you're just some retard from /b/ trying to troll the small, but usually well mannered /n/ community.
I'm sorry you feel the need to try to bring others down over the internet, friend, but unfortunately I don't want to play that game with you :^)
>>964635
Does your uncle want those things tho?
I mean, 99% of people do. It's also not unlikely that he would lie to himself and say he doesn't want those things, but there are some people out there who actually don't give a fuck about interacting with others.
>>964643
You can lie to yourself and rationalize whatever you want so you can sleep at night, but we both know I'm not some silly troll, we both know that you don't live a self-sufficient life, and we both know that a motor vehicle is actually a relatively small expense and required for daily life in most parts of the country.
So the only real reason you wouldn't own a care is either you're poor, lazy, or still live with your parents. I'd wager on all three.
>>963586
I'm in the South of the UK, work as a sculptor but we dick around and make stuff like that occasionally.
Your therapist sounds like a shitbag or car salesman, I cant see how they would think buying an object will totally change your mental outlook on life. Cycling clubs can be a great way to socialise but can be kinda isolating if you try join one that are very up themselves. Maybe try find one that focuses on casual riding and the social element rather than pure performance as a group.
>>964648
>mfw I will never find a Carlton for sale in middle Burgerland :C
>>964643
>usually well mannered /n/ community
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
(pic unrelated)
>>964645
Where do you live that a motor vehicle is a small expense? Are you a citizen of an Arabian country or something?
>>964645
>It's impossible to live without a car
>You're lying to yourself and me if you try to disagree
>insults, insults, insults
It's okay, buddy. You don't have to do this anymore. I know life was rough on you, but you can still be friends with us. You don't have to bottle everything up and type out your aggressions on a message board based around cartoons. I believe in you.
>>964645
>if you don't think you want a car you don't really think that
sure, whatever cager
different guy here btw, bike is as good as any other means of locomontion, especially if you don't live in bumfuck ohio and can use public transportation without mommy
>>964644
>Does your uncle want those things tho?
Does it matter?
He is still a freak either way
>>964666
If he can lead a happy life, who cares if he's a freak?
>>964668
inb4 the cager in itt comes in saying
>even if he thinks he's happy he isn't unless he does what I deem socially acceptable and responsible
>>964668
Still an embarrassment to the family so they feel they must apply pressure.
Personal happiness should not be the focus of modern society like it is.
It creates narcissism and other troubles
>>964654
>Cannot afford a $2k used car.
>Cannot afford $2.20/gallon gasoline
>Cannot afford $50/month insurance
>Cannot afford $1k in annual maintenance and repairs
So you're poor. I've got it. That maintenance cost goes way down if you're not a moron and can do your own work.
I'm also guessing you're a child that doesn't work if you view any of that as a large financial burden.
>>964655
Denial isn't just a river, son. Someday you'll grow up and join the rest of society, stop being an angry young man, and realize that a bicycle shouldn't define your life.
>>964695
>So your embarrassment is more important than the well being of your uncle?
You imply well being and happiness are the same.
Also , yes, the family is more important than the individual.
I do not know how we got away from this idea in less than 100 years.
>>964705
I can understand that mentality with immediate family, but not quite with an uncle. Is your extended family really close?
>>964684
>giving up your health and wealth for the privilege of sitting in traffic and validation from angry retards.
I'm good.
>>964709
All families were once close anon.
Most of my extended family is very close and we try to keep everyone in the fold. My uncle both loves and hates us for this.
Some of his troubles are not his fault but most are.
>>964641
Rationality isn't something a suicidal person experiences, anon
>>964710
>Destroying your knees and sacrificing your comfort and safety for nothing but smug satisfaction.
Wew
>>963350
>the temptation of the car
May I gently suggest that working on your impulse control could fix many of the issues in your life?
I mean ignoring your "the rapist " and googling "impulse control strategies" and making yourself a stronger human by doing some daily mindful exercises
>>964635
>never can make any friends or date a girl. he has no kids and has not kissed another human since the 80s
That's just like me!
>>964719
>needing a fuckton of non-renewable resources fueled by religious extremists to travel short distances for comfort and safety
Shiggy
Man, I knew this thread was filled with Dunning-Kruger types, but this guy >>964721 takes the cake.
>have car
>only use it if my bike isn't feasible
You can do it too OP
>>964726
>Or for road trips, picking up large items, traveling 10+ miles etc.
I feel bad for all the idiots here that live in such a black and white world.
>>964728
>he can't even ride 10 miles
How fat are you jesus christ
The only reason to use a cage is if you're visiting some faraway irrelevant city with shit-tier infrastructure
>>964728
What part of "when bike isn't feasible" was confusing
>>964733
dont let the trolls get to you anon...
btw I just got back from the grocery store.
Its about 3-4 blocks away
I drove
>>964732
I'm not fat at all since I control portions, live an active life, and thus don't need to incorporate excercise into every bit of my transportation.
Feels good not showing up sweaty everywhere as a result.
>>964739
If you're going somewhere that sweat would be a problem, you take the train like normal people
Luckily there are gyms on basically every street corner, so you can just take a shower and change before work if it's just commuting
>>964744
nope no trains near me and only poor people and meth heads take the bus
I just drive where I want to go and it doesnt take long, in fact I get there much faster than any bus or bike could.
get out and see how the rest of the world lives please.
>>964744
>Every city in the world has rail transit
>Everyone lives in cities
>Brah just go to the gym to shower!
Just come out and make your faggot ass comment about living in "fly-over" country and the like. After all, if the rest of the world doesn't conform to your fantasy it must be wrong, no?
>>964753
>get out and see how the rest of the world lives please.
I do, several times per year. It's heartbreaking, but progress doesn't happen instantly.
>>964719
>Destroying your knees
Learn to use your gears, you KMart MTB riding casual.
>>963350
You probably just stink all the fucking time and they didn't want to throw that to your face.
Socialists use public transport.
>>964813
Mate I have the personal hygiene of a god. Smell me IRL and see w0t happens.
>>964847
Fellow leftist here, I ride to work and shower twice a day. Kiehl's Ultimate Man Body Scrub, Kiehl's Amino Acid shampoo & conditioner, and a dab of Malin + Goetz in my hair.
Disregard these flyovers, they wouldn't know hygiene if you put it in a 100% cotton re-usable grocery bag and hit them over the head with it.
>>963350
>insisting that I needed a car to have a good social life
Maaan, I feel the same way about myself. I've isolated myself from everyone for the love of cycling. I've thought about buying a car, and I had a couple thousand dollars saved... But I thought, "fuck it. I'm not getting any younger. Next month I won't even be a teenager any more." and I spent $1600 on a bike yesterday. My 25 mile ride this morning before work affirmed I made the right decision.
>>965027
Even more confirmation that it's children preaching to children here.
>>965042
>muh car is so sick
>look at these children riding bikes
>but muh car
buddy its pretty cool you take this much interest and pride in the fact you have a car. we're all proud of you, kiddo.
>>965043
>Children with no gainful employment telling others to not worry about working, becoming independent, or planning for the future.
>Jerking each other off for spending $1600 on bicycles.
It's more pathetic than anything. That this is what you think growing up and being happy is about.
>>965051
I'm just /r9k/ on a bike
>>965051
>Not realizing more and more of the prosperous citizens of Western liberal democracies are eschewing car ownership in favor of sustainable transportation, especially since well off citizens dont live in the suburbs/boonies, butt fucking raccoons
>Clinging to an increasingly obsolete mode of transportation due to primitive views concerning maturity and status, as well as a compensation for a severe lack of female interaction, coupled with a debilitating case of erectile dysfunction
>>965051
>having a bike means not having a future
Ironic words coming from a fucking illiterate farm hand from Idaho whose greatest dream is to have a death cage
Also is $1600 supposed to be a lot of money? I don't know what oxycontin addicted hayseeds think one ought to spend on transport, surely you are not all driving teslas
>>965070
I'm an adult and can afford throw a couple grand on fun things for myself. You are poor and are spending $1600 on a bicycle. I think it's funny that you try to lecture me on finances when you probably don't even have an IRA.
>>965074
I've got employer matching on my 401(k) and I make about $90k pre-tax, there's no good reason for me to start an IRA because I'd be literally throwing money in the garbage, kind of like adopting a 5,000 pound metal box and sperging out over "hemis" and wasting hours every week looking for a parking spot.
>>963350
Without knowing any additional context your therapist sounds like an idiot. If you had problems feeling like you lacked the ability to go places you could only really get to using a car then maybe I could see them suggesting you get a car but beyond that, man. I would reevaluate whether this therapist is working for you and, if not, find a different one. Sometimes it just doesn't work out.
Mazda 3 is really fun to drive, tho.
>>965078
>Claims to make $90k
>Yet is too stupid to understand the advantages of a Roth IRA
You can lie to yourself, but please don't lie to me.
>>965085
>Pathetic redneck just found out about IRA's and thinks he knows something about financial planning
Don't you have some tight raccoon tang to pound?
>>965085
Oh, are you some kind of financial planner? What do I stand to gain from reducing my 401k contributions that get matched by my company, and putting that into an IRA? Seems to me, I'm losing out on free money unless this is some magical IRA that is guaranteed to drastically outperform my 401k
>>965086
>Too stupid to take advantage of tax free gains.
>Probably has money in a savings account.
>Has the audacity to call other people stupid.
Again, stop trying to lecture people smarter than yourself.
>>965088
>He has to make a choice between maxing out his IRA and 401(k)
Roth IRA is much more beneficial with tax free gains and no required disbursements.
>>965089
>the invalid doesn't realize IRA's are common knowledge
No lecturing, just want to make sure we don't take time away from you and your raccoons
>>965093
>Common knowledge
>That you and this other chuckle fuck seem to lack
>>965091
Please define "much more" in numeric terms
Is it more than double?
Keep in mind I can roll over my 401k without paying taxes when I leave for a new job
>>965094
>thinks people with money disclose personal finances with a invalid raccoon fucker on /n/
buddy, really, are you actually 15?
>>965095
Brah, a 401(k) is nice and it's great that you're putting away for retirement, but it has some serious downsides so you should also be maxing out the $5,500 annual Roth IRA contribution.
Regular IRAs and 401(k)s have you contribute pretax dollars into them, but you pay income tax on any withdrawals and steep penalties for withdrawals before you turn 59.5 and when turn 70 you are required to withdraw a minimum(which isn't that small) amount from them. Like $75k on a $2 million valued account.
A Roth IRA is contributed with after tax dollars, no tax is paid on any withdrawals, no penalty for withdrawals on your contributions before 59.5, just gains, and there is no required withdrawals ever.
Roth IRAs are amazing and you need to start one now.
>>965096
Amigo, I know you're upset that I am more succesful than you, but settle down.
I'm trying to help this man out.
>>965101
>is mexican
i understand now
>>965100
You answered my question with what basically amounts to a Wikipedia article
I'm not contesting that an IRA has value, or asking you what an IRA is
Let me rephrase it so you understand: I get free money from my employer added to my 401(k), this amount matches every dollar I throw in of my own
By what math does giving up that free money benefit me? Remember, the IRA is just my contribution, not my contribution x2
>>965104
Are you so poor you cannot do both? Are you putting $18k into your 401(k) every year? What is your employer's match and limits? There is no reason not to be doing both.
Further, an IRA allows you greater control of how you invest your money. 401(k)s have plans that you pick from. IRAs let you invest in just about everything.
>>965110
That's great, but those are the kinds of questions you normally try to settle before giving advice, not after
As it happens, I'm paying down the last of my student loans, and I'm not exceeding $18k of 401k contributions
I guess now it's time for you to tell me education is a scam
>>965112
It is mostly a scam. I grossed over $100k last year with nothing but a highschool diploma to my name. :^)
>>965116
Different point of view
Right now some sectors are very strong
It's worth considering whether your skill set is going to keep you safe if another 2008 hits us
I'm actually going back to school soon, I don't plan on staying in this sector forever
>>965118
I'm not worried about another '08 because I'm well diversified, friend.
I surely hope that you're not paying to go back to school and that your wonderful employer will instead be picking up the bill.
>>965120
Diversified skill set or diversified portfolio? It sounds as if you're talking portfolio
>>965125
Both, compadre.
>>965126
FYI that's from Spanish. Source: 4 years of high school Spanish
>>964448
Confirms that the anti-"cager" posters on this board are legit mentally ill and can't function in modern society. They clearly have deep-seated psychological fears of "cages" that manifest themselves into irrational anger, violence, suicidal tendencies, and various other delusions and paranoid thinking. I'm just glad that cagers behind the wheel aren't nearly as insane as you admit to being. The further you are from cars and the people that drive them, the better for the rest of us.
>>965352
What are you still doing here? Get a fucking life
>>963472
True, cycling helped to get rid of my severe depression
>>964601
>I'm talking casually going double the speed limit
That's normal for too match people in my city
