Week 1 of my life without a car

The first week of my Zipcar® Low Car Diet has come to an end, and so far, it has been quite a rewarding challenge. I have logged numerous miles via transit (bus and rail), pedestrian and carpool. MARTA has been the true champion as its Route 16 has twice come in handy: when I needed to get home from Emory University, and when I went from home to the Carter Center.
My feet have also carried me a long way. I have walked to bus stops, MARTA stations, home and even dinner. I must have logged more than 10 miles on foot alone.

Finally, I have to give props to all my colleagues and friends who have given me rides to meetings and appointments around town. I do my best to minimize these requests and certainly make every effort not to inconvenience anyone. One surprise of the week is that I have not needed a Zipcar. I guess I will continue to bank the credits for another week.

More about the Low Car Diet promotion in this AJC story.

Follow the progress of all Low Car Diet participants.

Giving up the auto fix

Well, today is the first day of my new diet, the "Low Car Diet," sponsored by Zipcar, the carsharing service. I pledged to give up my vehicle for 30 days and find other ways to meet my transportation needs.

I have been a Zipcar member (formerly Flexcar) since Lanier brought it to Atlanta four years ago. Until now, however, my personal car has been my primary mode of transportation, especially during the week. It seems when you have a car, you drive it, even if other options are available. It is like having a big piece of chocolate cake placed in front of you after every meal. You just eat it.

Well, no more. Starting today, I am giving up the automobile fix. At least for a month. I will keep you posted on how I do.

The Most Dangerous Pedestrian Cities in the World

What are the most dangerous cities in the world to walk in?

GOOD Magazine has come out with an excellent info graphic illustrating the world cities with the most pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 residents. Three American cities made the list: Detroit, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Detroit and Atlanta had 10 per 100,000, and Los Angeles had 7.

The study source is the New York City Pedestrian Safety and Action Plan dated August 2010.