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Carless in Chicago

Jason Rothstein
Lake Claremont Press (2010)
ISBN 9781893121485
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads.com (12/10)

This is a guide on how to live without a car specific to Chicago without sacrificing anything and even winning at the end. One day, the author got fed up with all the stress and troubles that come with driving a car in a large metropolitan area like Chicago – traffic jams, trouble finding parking, losing side-view mirrors, with the list going on. However, it is hard to imagine that there are other options available, since so many Americans are attached to cars, which become an essential part of daily life and routine. Another aspect is the actual cost of having a car. Most people react to fluctuations in the gas prices almost immediately, noticing the burden of price increases on their wallets. Few people sit down and figure out the total cost of owning a car. The national average is around $7,000 a year, which includes car payments, insurance, maintenance, parking, and gas. $7,000 is a considerable sum to be spent just for transportation, mostly to and from work with weekend trips to a supermarket and mall, and occasional vacation trips. And for many Americans living in small towns, there are not many options, since public transportation is close to non-existent. When living in a large city, there are plenty of options, and the car can be left altogether.

After calculating all the costs of ownership and evaluating all the troubles that come with a car, the author decided to get rid of his beloved vehicle and start a new life. After transitioning into living without a car, the author realized how easy and convenient it is to use public transportation, especially the diverse and extensive network in Chicago. Many people never look into using public transportation effectively, dismissing it altogether, or having some strange prejudices against it. However, when one starts using all the trains and buses wisely, in addition to participating in car-sharing programs, the need for a personal auto can be eliminated.

This book makes the transition much easier by presenting all you ever need to know about getting around Chicago without a car. Both locals and visitors can benefit greatly by reading the book. It is fascinating sometimes, how much can be lost while driving around. So many things go unnoticed. While walking, biking, and using public transport brings these elements out of the shadows. In addition, it is worth mentioning all the health benefits of leading a more active lifestyle, not just sitting in a car for hours.

Overall, the guide is full of useful information, which is compact enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a purse. I would definitely recommend this book to any visitors coming to Chicago along with their sightseeing guides, in addition to locals, who wish to transition into a life independent of personal cars.

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