I have never once driven a car and also, I have never once experienced road rage. I like to consider myself an earth-conscious city-dweller'. I can't think of many reasons why it would be better to be a non-driver while living in a remote area other than one would be doing his or her part in saving the planet. However, for those living in the city, the reasons are plentiful. I am twenty three years old and I have not once in my life had to complain about the price of gas, insurance, car payments, not to mention parking or speeding tickets. Instead I have spent my late teen and early twenties commuting by way of biking, skateboarding, riding the bus and walking and I wouldn't change a thing.

I do not enjoy having to listen to some people gripe over the costs that go along with owning a car that is used as a main mode of transportation. There are many different types of payments made each month and many unforeseeable costs such as maintenance and repairs. It seems that many people that own or lease vehicles are working very hard to pay for something that causes them more stress in their lives than it does bring them convenience.
For every year that I could have spent driving myself around the city, I have alternatively spent it riding the bus, walking or using a different, sportier mode such as skateboarding or biking. This hasn't been without its own difficulties but those difficulties have been minimal. If you think about it, it is much safer to ride the bus. You must plan ahead to catch the bus on time to get you to your destination on time. Putting oneself on a scheduled ride prevents you from running late and possibly speeding and causing an accident. Why would anyone speed to work when they could just sit back and relax on the bus and read a book or listen to music while they watch out the window for their stop?

During the most beautiful times of year there are plenty of ways to get around the city such as biking, walking, skateboarding, roller-blading or any number of healthy activities that most people take for granted. I've often heard people say things like ever since they've had a car they have stopped walking anywhere at all. This is unfortunate for those who don't get the physical activity they need to be healthy due to becoming lazy after enjoying the comfort of their own vehicle.

HERE IS MY OWN STORY:

Just the other night I went out for a walk around the city of Halifax with my boyfriend. We went out for dinner and to visit a friend. We took the long way on the way there so, of course, we wanted to take the fastest way home. In the center of the city is a gigantic hill called The Citadel'. We needed to be on the exact opposite side of the hill from where we were and we were discussing which route would be the quickest to take. Jokingly I said, Instead of going around it lets just go over it.' He grabbed me by the hand and led me straight over the top of the hill through the grass. From the top of the hill we saw the city from every direction. It was quality and it couldn't have been done any other way than on foot.

It's good for your soul and good for the planet. That's what really matters.

Learn more about this author, Melissa Buhagiar.
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