=?windows-1256?Q?[carfree=5Fnetwork]_I_am_working_on_a_project_to_red?= =?windows-1256?Q?uce_car_dependency_in_US_and_appreciate_any_advice_and_hel?= =?windows-1256?Q?p=FE?=

Hi Everyone,

I am working on a book and web site (www.carfreeamerica.org) 
to help people become less car-dependent (starting in the US and Canada, but 
hopefully expanding worldwide). 

I would greatly appreciate any help and 
support other members of the Car Free Network (particularly in the U.S. and 
Canada--but any country or location worldwide would be appreciated).

My 
focus is on walking and using public transportation (although bicycles are 
obviously a valuable resource).

(Please e-mail me privately at either 
steve-ea2gahFTXEuuhc8UUCq7/[email protected], or steveatlas-zuv13RyHHZlfmgfxC/sS/[email protected])

Here is what I would 
appreciate help with (at least initially):
      1) Do any of you live in 
neighborhoods where you can walk to stores, other facilities (libraries, parks 
etc.),
and have a short walk to public transportation that operates everyday 
(or nearly everyday)? If so, could you please give me the name of the 
neighborhood and city, why it is a good choice to live without owning a car, and 
what makes it special? (Let me know if you would like to have your comments 
included on our web-site, and how I can contact you by phone and/or 
e-mail.)
           Also, can any of you recommend any specific neighborhoods 
and/or communities that could be good choices for someone to live without 
depending on a private car (even if you don't live there)?

      2) 
Success stories: Are any of you able to live full and happy lives without 
needing to depend on a car? If so, what are the keys to your success? Perhaps, 
you can include a short story about one or more of your experiences that could 
inspire others who would like to reduce or eliminate their dependency on a 
private car. Also, do you have any tips or suggestions for others who might like 
to live car-free?

     3) Car Free Vacations: I am looking for both 
specific destinations and regions where someone can walk or use public 
transportation--and not have to rent a car. If any of you have enjoyed this type 
of vacation (can be anywhere--but preferably in the U.S. or Canada--at least for 
now), please tell me the name of the vacation area, why you would recommend it, 
and any other thoughts or suggestions you may have.
              Also, I am 
trying to develop 2-3 afternoon self-guided walking or transit tours in major 
cities in North America. If any of you lives in or near a city in the U.S. or 
Canada where people can vacation without a car, and would be willing to help me 
develop a possible car-free outing or day trip for that location, I'd appreciate 
that.

    4) Car Free Retirement: As people get older, many suburbanites 
want to downsize, walk more and reduce or eliminate their need for a car. (Also, 
many people are no longer able to drive.) Do any of you have any suggestions for 
people wanting to retire without needing to own a car? Are their specific 
locations (including neighborhoods, and/or retirement communities) that might be 
good choices for these people?

    5) People with Disabilities and/or 
other special needs: Any resources or suggestions to help them enjoy car-free 
vacations (at least where they need to drive)? Any especially good locations for 
vacations and/or retirement?

If any of you know any people not on the 
list who would like to participate, and help empower anyone who doesn't want to 
drive, I'd love to hear from them too. (I am talking to a book agent on 
Thursday, and hope to also develop the web site into a valuable 
resource--focusing on what is available now.)
   
    I enjoy the list and 
appreciate being a member. Perhaps, this project can also help more people know 
about the World CarFree Network, Carbusters, and what we are 
doing.

Thanks so much for any help and support you can 
provide.

Steve    

Steve Atlas, Author of Car Free America (in progress) and founder of www.carfreeamerica.org
8121 Conduit Road 
Parkville, MD 21234 
Home: (410) 663-0217, Cell: (410) 236-1909 
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] 


--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "World Carfree Network" group.
To post to this group, send email to carfree_network-/[email protected]
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to carfree_network-unsubscribe-/[email protected]
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/carfree_network?hl=en
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---