Giving up second car- need some encouragement

kaths99

We are an active couple in our 60’s and went down to a single car a year ago. I used the money to buy a quality hybrid e-bike. It’s very hilly where we live. My husband has a touring road bike. No regrets! We both jump on the e-bike for a quick shopping trip and also enjoy longer rides together and separately. It helps to try and think of the single car as ‘our car’ rather than ‘his car’ regardless of who it is registered to. Share the driving if out together. If you have separate bank accounts, share the cost. Then you don’t feel you are asking him for a favour every time you want to use it. Dont get hung up on the bike debate in this thread but with an e-bike you don’t get sweaty and can use a bit of ‘turbo’ for a fast get away in traffic. Most bike shops will let you have a trial- do more than go round the block.  After a lifetime of having a car each it’s good to feel we’re doing a bit for the environment. 

Ibrahim5

When I started cycling we had a 10 year old car that we had owned from new. Not worth much if we sold it. I kept it for another 8 years averaging 1000 miles a year. I serviced it myself. Insurance, emissions tax, MOT and service was about £300 a year. Even though I cycled I liked knowing a car was available. You save on fuel, tyres, brake pads. I didn't pay for breakdown cover because it never went far. Had a list of local breakdown companies in the glovebox but never used them. Then my kids started driving. So we have 4 drivers sharing 2 cars. We have always used cars as 'pool' cars rather than MY car. When they ask who is the main driver I have no idea. We all have bikes and can walk, catch private hire, use Uber,  bus, train. So if you own a fast depreciating car you will save by selling it, but owning an older car and hardly using it doesn't have to be too expensive. The big savings you get by sharing cars.

powerspowers

Thanks for all the replies everyone!! I wasn’t getting notifications so got a lot to catch up on! 

Bike wise- I currently have an old hybrid with very clunky gears. Can’t get up hill as gears get stuck and I lose momentum. it isn’t adding to my confidence in traffic! I like the position on the hybrid, never ridden a road bike. I’m not sure if road bike would be happy on the trail to the main office and I think I would want another bike as well as we live near a country park and ride the trails there. I really can’t decide about the e bike, agree it will be useful to do some trials first. Probably don’t neeeeeed one, just need stronger legs! 

Car wise- my partners definitely not a meanie, I’m not sure why he is reluctant and he doesn’t know either. Perhaps because he has no other option than taking the car to work! If we are going somewhere together we try to split the driving but we do fall into the pattern that he drives by default. I like the suggestion of trying to reframe to our car- it’s all shared money anyway. 

Going to keep mulling, try some bikes. Definitely going to keep the car until we move later in the month as it will be useful to have two at that point! 

powerspowers

Indigo_and_Violet said:

In terms of persuasion, maybe sit down and write out all the costs of the car. Emissions duty, Insurance, MOT, average servicing cost, average fuel costs. Research suggests that people tend to underestimate the cost of driving, partly because it's seen as a necessity and partly because it comes out in dribs and drabs here and there. If you have any friends who cycle regularly talk to them - generally people who cycle love it and their enthusiasm is infectious. 

sand_hun said:

Buy the best road bike you can afford. Go for second hand if necessary. On a decent road bike you won't break into a sweat on a casual 4 mile ride along flat routes.

I'd tend to disagree with this advice, but it might just be different conceptions of 'road bikes'. For four miles, even hilly, you don't need a full carbon frame or electronic gear shifting. Those things are great for setting PBs but they're not the most comfortable ride and need regular maintenance. You want something you feel confident and comfortable riding that is durable and has features like mudguards and probably a rack so you can carry your lunch with you. From your description, it sounds like you might prefer a hybrid bike rather than a road bike - they're a little slower but have a more upright position. 
I'm taking a punt and guessing you're a woman. If so, Liv do a really good range of women's bikes and, if there's a store near you, they are generally quite knowledgeable and friendly: https://www.liv-cycling.com/. Otherwise, they're expensive (particularly the e-bike version) but Islabikes adult range are really well reviewed and hold their value well: https://www.islabikes.co.uk/. 

Yes I’ve heard of liv. Didn’t think of Isla- my boys had them and they do hold their value! They’ve gone on to mountain bikes now

powerspowers

Johnmcl7 said:

I never liked cycling when I was younger but restarted about ten years ago when I wanted to stop using the car for commuting and any short trips since it wasn't good for it (turbo diesel with DPF).  Initially I only wanted the bike for short trips and nothing more but it's developed into a hobby as well and it's been one of the best decisions I've made.  I've met lots of great people along the way and I've found it particularly useful in dealing with the covid situation.

I think what was key to a good start with cycling was to ensure I chose the right bike which I had help from with my local bike shop.  There's many different types of bikes out there and only you know which one will suit you best so if possible it's ideal if you can try some out.  I'm a huge fan of e-bikes and I think they're a great choice for starting out not just for the speed they offer but that you can get that speed on a comfortable bike that doesn't make the compromises faster bikes do.  My Mum bought an e-bike a few years ago which is a nice step through hybrid with reasonably wide tyres, a comfortable upright position, slight front and rear suspension and integrated lights.  Being able to choose the power means you can have plenty of assist if you need it but if you're feeling fitter or want more of a challenge you can dial the power down a bit.

Yep diesel turbo, it’s not good sitting on the drive with the occasional supermarket run! I was vaguely thinking I’d get an electric car one day but the work context has changed so much it’s be a complete waste of money. 

powerspowers

I’ve bought a bike 🙈
went to have a look and take a test ride... ended up buying there and then!
it’s a forme peak 2 electric. Loved it on the test ride, the little boost you get when setting off in traffic really made me feel more confident and it’s a very upright, comfy ride.  

Going to pick it up tomorrow and take it for a spin
next Stage is saying goodbye car, it needs a few repairs first though! 

Also need to get a good bike lock and sort out insurance... I’m a bit more attached to it than my current steed 

Marmaduke123

We went down to one car from two when we both retired, so a bit different to your situation. We sold both cars and bought a "new" one, so it didn't feel as if one of us was using the others car. We always talk about our car.

It did need a bit of planning and diary coordination, but there were no insuperable problems. Our car just sits on the driveway mostly at the moment, so I'm pleased we don't have two!

powerspowers

Marmaduke123 said:

We went down to one car from two when we both retired, so a bit different to your situation. We sold both cars and bought a "new" one, so it didn't feel as if one of us was using the others car. We always talk about our car.

It did need a bit of planning and diary coordination, but there were no insuperable problems. Our car just sits on the driveway mostly at the moment, so I'm pleased we don't have two!

Yes I think we need to get into that mindset. We’ve done well at sharing the driving this week as been out more, I’m conscious that I don’t want to forget how to drive! Other half says he is getting used to being a passenger. He’s more on board now, he did all the e bike research and suggested we go to the bike shop yesterday. 

powerspowers

I’ve had such a good first ride of the bike today! Did 20 miles in the Peak District, mostly in eco mode averaging at 10-12mph (just keeping up with OH!) but then two really steep inclines I just left him standing. I definitely would have had to push up. 

Battery performance was great and it handled the trail ok. 
Even got a bit of snow so I can tick that off my list!

Really, really pleased with my choice. Now just to make sure it’s “bike as default” rather than a good gadget in the garage. 

[Deleted User]

Nothing wrong with filtering (NOT undertaking) on the left, indeed, the government Bikeability scheme teaches you to use either depending on conditions. I filter on the left on my commute all the time in slow/stationary traffic

Also worth pointing out that just because a road bike will come with a road saddle, doesn't mean you have to keep it - getting sit bones measured and getting the right saddle (shops often do trials) can mean the difference between horrible rides and great ones. A huge chunky padded saddle might seem great but could be really uncomfortable vs a harder road saddle in the right size