Before moving to San Francisco this year, I thought I'd have no problem without a personal vehicle. After all, I have two working legs, two bicycles, and there are public transit stops just blocks from my home. Surely all I was facing was a test of patience and planning diligence. I could get over complaints that public transit is a black hole for time by planning to take buses with a limited number of stops, or bringing my bike on the bus for part of the commute. Buying locally in an effort to reduce my carbon footprint and bolster small, independent businesses had a somewhat romantic ring to it.

It wasn't long before I hit some snags in my idealistic plan. Furniture, big loads of groceries, and dogs all tripped me up. When you're moving a couch, can you take it on the bus? If you reach a point where you no longer possess edible food, can you single-handedly transport a week's worth of groceries on foot, bike, or public transit? Maybe, if you have incredible bike panniers, legs of steel, or Go-Go-Gadget Arms. Not me. While dog-sitting, I realized I couldn't transport the pooch on the bus without a muzzle. Even that would have been a risky situation.

What fills the gap for me? A car sharing program. Most of these still do not allow dogs, but that's a dilemma that owners of non-service dogs choose to face. With the choice of several different types of vehicles about 4 or 5 blocks from my house, I no longer feel limited. A small truck can be reserved for the days when you and your roommate feel like raiding Ikea's collection, 30 miles away. Having a car for unusually ambitious grocery and supply shopping trips can make life a breeze. While I still try to avoid it if I can, this option keeps me from seeking ownership of a personal auto. The world's biggest car sharing program argues that each of one of its Zipcars takes more than 15 personal vehicles off the road. Benefits include (but aren't limited to) less congestion, lower emissions, and less auto waste in our environment.

To be honest, I'm in love with this service. (My choice is City CarShare.) Gas and insurance are included, and rates are usually quite reasonable when compared to the cost of ownership. The vehicles are frequently spotless, few miles from brand-new, and well-maintained. Reservations are dead-simple to make online or by phone, with options to extend if you're running late or have an accident. A simple electronic key fob gets me into whichever car I've reserved, every time. I never have to worry that I won't be able to park when I return, because spaces for these cars are reserved in safe locations.  In the past, calling the emergency line was such a pleasant experience that I wouldn't hesitate to drink a beer with the staff (which is an activity that should never, of course, involve their cars).

In addition to public transit, walking, and bicycling, I believe car sharing programs are fantastic. They fill the gap between car-centric lifestyles and greener, more flexible, living. Of course, the situation cannot work for everyone, but if we incorporate this option as we plan better communities and increase awareness of climate change, we could win a few more people over. Some things in life require a little flexibility, and if car sharing can provide an option for those in need, I'm all for it. I encourage you to check out your local services today, and I hope your experience is as worthwhile as mine.