Rewards of life without car
Your recent feature on the Hill family from Willenhall, who abandoned their car in favour of bikes and trailers, was most enjoyable and reminded me of my own similar experiences with a bike and trailer.
I do own a car, but rarely use it unless really necessary. I try to do my bit for the environment and have always loathed the hassle that comes with driving. I have always tried to manage without a car and have developed a pathological hatred for petrol guzzlers.
For years I used a bike and trailer to make numerous trips to the supermarket, attracting plenty of curious onlookers as I loaded up my trailer with shopping and rode off into the sunset. I even used it to ferry bags of cement from the hardware store. Parking was never an issue.
Unlike the Hill family, I have never been brave enough to travel by train with a bike and trailer.
I do however use the train for holidays and find the frantic scramble to get on board with rucksacks and luggage, while trying to find your seat at the same time, very challenging and stressful, sometimes losing the will to live. It's all worth it, though, when you eventually settle down, get comfy and get cracking on the tuna sandwiches.
A few years ago I cycled from Willenhall to Morville in Shropshire with my daughter ensconced in a trailer, surrounded by camping equipment to keep her upright.
It rained all day, I had a puncture and it took me eight hours to reach my destination, stopping once only to kneel and pray that we would get there OK. We did and returned the next day having had a wonderful adventure, albeit a tiring one.
The Hill family should be applauded. Not only are they doing their bit for the environment, they are enjoying the pleasures of cycling and at the same time adding years to their lives.
I hope others follow their brilliant example. People are far too lazy these days to get off their backsides.
It's not that difficult to make the effort and it's very rewarding.
Will Morgan, Webb Street, Willenhall.
