'Our family has found real joy in living a car-free life'
Ahead of World Car Free Day on 22 September, lifestyle blogger Fritha Quinn tells us why she's embracing life without a car and the surprising benefits of travelling by foot, bus and train.
As a family of four living car-free in Cardiff, people often wonder how we manage daily life without one. The most common questions are how we juggle the kids’ clubs, shopping and those inevitable, last-minute errands without a set of wheels. The truth is it often takes a bit more planning but the joys and benefits of being car-free outweigh the logistical planning in my opinion!
First off, let's talk pennies because, let’s be honest, who isn’t trying to squeeze the most out of their budget these days? Not owning a car meant waving goodbye to insurance, fuel, maintenance and parking costs. Instead of petrol bills, we invest in rail cards for public transport and the occasional Uber, which, surprisingly, comes out far cheaper.
Secondly, each trip made by bus, train, or on foot is our little high-five to the planet. Reducing our carbon footprint is an obvious benefit and it does feel good knowing we’re contributing to cleaner air and less traffic. Plus, Cardiff is lush with parks and paths that invite us to enjoy its natural beauty on foot or by bicycle, turning what used to be a mundane drive into an adventure.
"The lovely people we meet is a definite plus point to travelling car-free. Using public transport and walking has given us a chance to cross paths with a kaleidoscope of lives and stories."
Finally (and perhaps the most delightful surprise) the lovely people we meet is a definite plus point to travelling car-free. Using public transport and walking has given us a chance to cross paths with a kaleidoscope of lives and stories. Whether it’s chatting about the weather (a shared hobby in Cardiff, although spoiler, it is probably rain), swapping book recommendations, or sharing a knowing smile over the antics of young children, these interactions honestly enrich our journeys. It’s community-building in the most unexpected of places – on pavements, buses and train carriages!
Living car-free in Cardiff has its challenges, sure, but the benefits – saving money, protecting the planet, and connecting with our community – have crafted a lifestyle full of unexpected joys and discoveries. If you’re wondering about a similar switch, even just trying it for a while might open up a new and adventure in your hometown!
Our family has found real joy in living car-free and I honestly think it beats the convenience of a car. It's a reminder to enjoy the journey, finding adventure in the rhythm of our footsteps and the silly games played on the back of the bus.You never know what kind of journey you will have when you travel by foot, bicycle or public transport which I think it part of the appeal. Living without a car in Cardiff hasn’t just been about getting from A to B; it's been a journey towards spending more time together, a healthier planet, and a pocket full of stories. And really, isn't that what life's all about?
Here's to embracing each step, pedal and train ride, and to the adventures that await us around the next corner!
If you’d like to follow Fritha and her family's car-free adventures you can find her at Tigerlilly Quinn or on Instagram here.
About the author
Living Streets