It takes Alan’s journey into the realms of carless-ness as an example of the larger challenges of aligning our lives with our principles. It’s also about what we can do: namely, fix the systems that make it so tough to live sustainably. And we like author Bill Dietrich’s description of how Sightline is trying to create a place where “doing the right thing is also the cheapest, easiest and most fun thing.”
It’s a front-cover story in the Seattle Times’ Pacific Northwest Magazine. Did I mention it’s here?
Richard
I just finished reading the wonderful article in the Pacific NorthwestMagazine about Alan and his carless experiences. It’s great to see thiskind of positive change getting some press coverage!I’m originally from Anchorage, Alaska and prior to leaving the state Ispent the last 6 months up there car free. It wasn’t the easiest changeI have ever made, but it was something I was excited to try. It turnsout biking to work wasn’t as difficult as some had lead me to believe -even in Anchorage. I only had two interesting events that happenedduring that time – one involved a moose and her calf not wanting toshare the bike path, and another involved a dark tunnel that hid thefact that halfway through the ground turned to ice – yikes!The reason I left Alaska was to attend college – I went to PortlandState University and graduated with a degree in Community Development.While in college there I lived car free in downtown Portland – loved it!After graduating I moved up to Seattle and over time gradually slippedback into car ownership. Funny what relationships can do to you…In any case, I’m actually planning to go carfree again as soon as schoolis done. I’ve decided to head back to college and make a career changeto Construction Management. With living in Magnolia, working inBellevue, going to school in Edmonds in the evening, and playing rugbyin Capitol Hill and Redmond, a car is almost essential right now. Butas soon as school’s out I’m making the switch again – even if it doesmake my partner roll his eyes when I mention it.Keep up the great work on this site. I’ll be reading up on it -especially any articles on housing affordability (and our housingbubble!), infill development, and green construction/sustainability.And as my schedule permits, you may just find me volunteering some time.Best regards,Richard
Alan Durning
Thanks, Richard.
Jeff Douthwaite
Hi all,I too read and enjoyed the article. Had a nice community building experience w/ neighbors cutting up a fallen cedar tree, blocking 36th avenue NE. Shows that storms can be constructive as well as harmful. I rented chain saw and we did the job. Was interested to learn surgeons can swear too! We need more neighborly work to do! Maybe hi gas prices will help! Cheers,