Comments on: Car Free Mondays: Stephanie Zhong of Fabulously Green

By: Lindsey

Lindsey — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:09:15 +0000

I want to say that I referred to this particular interview because, while I had read it before, my relationship status changed (from single to in a couple) and my car-free situation still hasn’t. I live in the Valley and my boyfriend lives in West Hollywood and works in Koreatown, so because my schedule at the moment is a bit more flexible, it’s become a bit of a default that I meet up with him, etc. Sometimes it’s a bit of a strain and I get tired just thinking about it, but then I think of how tired he is after work and… well let’s just say finding a good balance is key. Maybe it’ll readjust. I do have plans to get a car for work and the upcoming fall semester, which will be another readjustment. Anyway, it looks as if you and your boyfriend have been able to work things out with one of you not having a car. I hope the same for me as well!

By: Siel

Siel — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:31:31 +0000

Oh no! Are these tiny cars Zipcars? I do know they have some bigger ones at certain locations, but that’s a bummer. There is always those trailer things for kids, but of course those don’t work for long distances unless you’ve got thighs of steel –

By: Tip

Tip — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:41:09 +0000

Wonderful to hear you going car free. We used to just travel by bike or public transport or a shared car system but, now we have to little ones, have had to resort to a car. I hate that we did that but the car seats just wouldn’t fit in the shared cars as they are too small! :-( In a couple of years the kids will be old enough to walk and then sayonara car!

By: Siel

Siel — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:47:35 +0000

James — Have you considered an Xtracycle or panniers? I don’t have those either so don’t feel like I’m judging — I am just mentioning them in case you’re interested in tricking out yr bike to carry more stuff :)

By: Stephanie Zhong

Stephanie Zhong — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:34:58 +0000

James,
LOVE that you’re a confessed poser! :) I probably will end up buying a car by year end (all depends on changing work situations), but I only plan to drive it no more than 30% of my overall travel time.

By: Stephanie Zhong

Stephanie Zhong — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:33:27 +0000

Siel,
Good God, my butt on the side of a bus? How horrifying! lmao.

By: Stephanie Zhong

Stephanie Zhong — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:31:59 +0000

Tony,
Yes, those last minute taxis get expensive. On that fateful West Hollywood date, I happened to be waiting for the cab in front of a movie theater. Got asked to the movies by two guys who were on their way in. If I had said yes, I guess you could count that as $12 recouped for the taxi!

By: James

James — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:43:10 +0000

Appreciate Stephanie’s honesty about the trials and tribulations of going car free in LA. I own a car, but pretend I don’t. On days when I don’t need a car, I ride my bike. Most weeks I only need to use my car 2 days for about 2 hours. That means I’m riding my bicycle about 5 days plus a week. Doesn’t matter how far or what time of day, if my schedule allows it, I ride my bike. It’s interesting having to plan for the extra riding time. Similar to Stephanie, I have to limit my purchases to only what I can carry on my bicycle saddle bag. Sometimes, I arrive sweaty, but nothing beats the wind on my face, the natural exercise and the personal accomplishment that I’m contributing to the saving our planet.

By: Siel

Siel — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 01:01:04 +0000

Booty by Big Bus, I think, should be BBB’s next ad campaign :) Featuring Stephanie’s butt!

By: Tony

Tony — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:57:15 +0000

Stephanie, I know how you felt hailing the taxi in WeHo. I’ve been experimenting with living carfree here in Phoenix since January ’09. One night I decided to go to a club in Scottsdale. Price tag for rountrip taxi/cover/and a drink? $100!! I know, I know… I should’ve realized it was going to be at least a $50 night.
And I get a totally different reaction when I tell people I’m experimenting with living carfree. Some people just automatically get it – and that’s when I get a ‘high five’ or ‘awesome’ . Others look at me with this ‘are you serious? Only losers don’t have cars’ – I can pretty much tell which person will give me what look even before I say hello.