Can We Live Without Cars? Exploring Car-Free Living: Can We Thrive Without Cars in Modern Society?

YEET MAGAZINE

Sep 18, 2024 • 4 min read

Written by Paola Bapelle for Yeet Magazine

It’s hard to imagine life without cars. They’ve become such a fundamental part of our daily routines, especially in urban settings. Whether it's commuting to work, running errands, or heading out for a weekend getaway, the car is often our go-to. But is it truly indispensable? With evolving technologies, sustainable options, and changing lifestyles, the question is becoming more relevant than ever: can we live without cars?

blue sedan on snow ground — Photo by Oziel Gómez / Unsplash

My Personal Story: Letting Go of My Cadillac
Ten years ago, I made the bold decision to give up driving my beloved Cadillac. For a long time, I thought of my car as an extension of my freedom. It symbolized independence and convenience. But the reality? Endless traffic jams and the never-ending search for parking spots. Toulon, my hometown, is a beautiful coastal city, but it's also notorious for its lack of parking spaces. I found myself wasting so much time circling the streets for that elusive spot, not to mention the maintenance and fuel costs.

That’s when I discovered Uber. What started as an experiment became a lifestyle choice. Over the last decade, I haven't missed driving at all. No more worries about parking lots, no more dealing with costly repairs. Uber offered me freedom, flexibility, and to my surprise—saved time. I could now use my commute to catch up on emails, read a book, or even relax without the stress of traffic. And I never looked back.

The New Era of Urban Mobility
Cities across the world are becoming denser, and with that, the shift away from private cars is growing. Public transport systems are evolving, and rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and Bolt are gaining traction, reducing the need for car ownership. For many, the benefits of living car-free include saving money, reducing carbon footprints, and avoiding the hassle of car maintenance.

In Paris, for example, the government has introduced policies to reduce car usage, favoring public transportation, cycling, and walking. Congestion charges and increased parking fees are pushing people to seek alternative methods of getting around. And it’s working—bike lanes are filling up, metro ridership is increasing, and the city is becoming greener.

The Rise of Electric Scooters and Bikes
Another trend that's transforming urban transport is the rise of electric scooters and bikes. These two-wheelers have taken over many cities, providing a fun and eco-friendly way to get around. Companies like Lime and Bird have made e-scooter rentals available at a click of an app, making it incredibly easy to zip around for short-distance travel.

This shift represents a growing desire for more sustainable and efficient ways of moving around cities. It’s faster than walking, more environmentally friendly than driving, and for many, it’s more fun than being stuck in traffic. And with charging stations now a common sight, electric bikes and scooters are becoming a serious contender in the race for sustainable urban mobility.

Can Rideshare Replace Private Cars?
One of the biggest questions in this debate is whether rideshare services can fully replace car ownership. For me, the answer has been a resounding yes. But for others, particularly those in more suburban or rural areas, the availability of rideshare options like Uber or Lyft may be limited.

Still, in cities with well-developed rideshare networks, giving up a car is more feasible than ever. With monthly subscription plans, competitive pricing, and the convenience of door-to-door service, rideshare has made a compelling case against owning a car. You only pay when you need a ride, and you avoid the costs of insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

The Green Revolution: Electric and Autonomous Vehicles
In addition to rideshare and alternative transportation options, the electric vehicle (EV) revolution is making waves. Tesla, Rivian, and even legacy automakers like Ford and BMW are pushing forward with EVs as the future of driving. They’re not only better for the environment, but their lower operating costs (compared to gas-powered cars) make them attractive to consumers.

But what if we take it a step further? Autonomous vehicles are quickly moving from science fiction to reality. Companies like Waymo and Cruise are testing self-driving cars, and many experts believe that in the next 10 to 20 years, we could be hailing autonomous vehicles on demand, replacing the need for personal cars altogether. These futuristic cars promise to reduce accidents, decrease traffic congestion, and make transportation more efficient.

Living Without a Car: The Verdict
The question isn’t so much "can we live without cars?" but rather, "how do we want to live?" For me, giving up my Cadillac felt like a release. I traded in the endless search for parking lots and the stress of road rage for Uber rides and leisurely walks. It saved me time, money, and a lot of frustration.

With the increasing availability of rideshare services, improved public transportation, and innovations like electric bikes and scooters, living without a car is becoming more realistic every day. In many ways, going car-free is a choice for more freedom, less stress, and a greener planet. So, can we live without cars? Absolutely. The future of urban mobility is bright—and it might just be car-free.

About the Author

Paola Bapelle is a writer, entrepreneur, and the Founder, CEO & Editor-In-Chief at YEET MAGAZINE. Ten years ago, she made the bold decision to give up her Cadillac, embracing ridesharing and advocating for sustainable urban living ever since.