Car Lite Rochester is a blog series that highlights the stories of Rochesterians living a car-lite lifestyle. The term “car lite” encompasses a variety of multimodal transportation lifestyles, featuring little dependence (but not NO dependence) on a car. It typically looks like sharing one car within a household or only using a car when absolutely necessary.
So, we hope you’ll continue to follow along. Maybe you will be inspired to join our bloggers in living a car-lite lifestyle!
Wanna rep it? Check out the t-shirt in our online shop.
Embracing Community: 20 Years Car Lite In Rochester
By Leverett “Coach” Copeland:
My family and I arrived in Rochester, NY in the fall of 2005 without the use of a vehicle. We would walk or take RTS to travel around the city and when we grocery shopped we used taxis. In the 20 years we have resided here in Rochester we only owned a vehicle for 2 years. As a whole we have been car lite most of our Rochester residence.
Having a more comprehensive transportation service like RTS has made it possible to travel to places outside my community and region. Although it is difficult when the weather is either very hot or very cold, because of no shelter or comforts, the transit system in Rochester is very reliable, consistent, and appreciated.
The main reason that we do not use a vehicle is that financially it creates an issue. We could afford the opportunity but with the creation of transportation services like Lyft or Uber, plus stores delivering groceries and food, we enjoy the car lite life. Being car lite helps me familiarize myself with my community and my neighbors. I have the opportunity to build better relationships and my social environment, which improves my health and well being.
Although there are some challenges, such as weather, being car lite has many more positive instances and rewards. Walking through my community rather than driving has me more attuned to my neighbors and businesses. I am able to advocate for the community with deeper insight and empathy. It also increases my ability to communicate and represent to those in power what the community desires and needs.
I’m grateful for the Complete Streets Makeover project that Reconnect Rochester did at Avenue D and Hollenbeck last year. It’s good that we worked to make the street safer from reckless driving but also came together to make it happen. I think the biggest thing is that the community feels acknowledged and something was done to meet a need. They have pride in the fact that someone cared enough to try and slow traffic down for their kids and beautify the intersection. We really need it. I think this is the beginning of turning Rochester around – where it’s not as violent but it’s more vibrant
Photo by De’Jon Washington
As for my future being car lite, I believe I will continue and do not see any reason to change. Having a vehicle is nice but for my mental and physical health, as well as community awareness, being car lite is how I will continue. I am able to serve on various committees and boards as well as volunteer and serve in many capacities and being car lite has not diminished my abilities or access.
At Reconnect, we’re inspired by the stories of people in our community, like Josie McClary, Jasmine Burley, and Karen Nozik who are passionate about living a car-lite or car-free lifestyle. If you want to support our work and make it easier for others to go Car-Lite please donate and sign up for Mobility Action Alerts to stay in the loop with opportunities of how to advocate for safer streets and transportation options.
Let us know if you want to share your mobility story! What’s in it for you? The intrinsic reward of knowing you’ve inspired others, and a free t-shirt from our online shop! Contact Chaz to submit your story.