USA losing it's love affair with cars!

[flecc]

The astonishing fact of a sharp decline in car ownership in America's young is explored in a forthcoming radio program. It reveals only half of America's 17 year olds possess a driving licence compared with three-quarters in 1998.

The program is "Costing the Earth" on BBC Radio 4, broadcast at 3.30 pm tomorrow, Tuesday 6th March 2012, and repeated at 9 pm on Wednesday 7th March.

If both of those are inconvenient, it will become available on the BBC's i-player shortly after the first broadcast above, directly accessible on the link below:

"Rebel without a Car"

 

[lectureral]

I have noticed this as a trend in the UK also - I and my peers were so keen to get our driver's license (I was 16 when I passed in Pennsylvania) and their children just don't seem motivated at all - I can think of several who have reached their 30s without bothering to get a license.

 

[Scottyf]

I got my licences at 16 (CBT for a scooter), 17 for a car and 17 for the Motorbike full license (Restricted 33hp)

But I never bothered actually getting a car untill I was 23 becasue the insurance was hideous. I kept on motorbikes as the insurance was about a 10th of the price.

Now at 27 I've got rid of the car and now cycle.
I enjoy it so much and it saves me that much money that I can afford to do 4 holidays a year without worrying about the money. Its great.

The last time I filled up with petrol was 18th Jan 2011.



I'm glad people are not driving so much. We seriously don't need it. There are many other viable forms of transport that work. Its just changing a mindset that will be the issue.

 

[danfoto]

here are many other viable forms of transport that work. Its just changing a mindset that will be the issue.

A propos which ...

 

[flecc]

I have noticed this as a trend in the UK also - I and my peers were so keen to get our driver's license (I was 16 when I passed in Pennsylvania) and their children just don't seem motivated at all - I can think of several who have reached their 30s without bothering to get a license.

My experience too lectureral. Where tweny years ago our estate's many teenagers were in cars at 17 or a little after, they are a very rare sight now. In our case the free London public transport for up to 16s, or up to 18s if in full time education, makes a big difference. They use this free facility so intensively during their early teens that it becomes a large part of their life and a habit. Maybe that would be a good policy nationwide?

The London congestion charge has a similar effect for adults, many of my London friends don't have cars any more and a couple use bikes as well as public transport.

 

[Eaglerider]

In the UK at least, amongst other things, its the heinous cost of insurance that is curbing demand. A friends 17 year old son, on a provisional licence is being quoted in excess of £6000 a year to drive a Ford Fiesta. Unless they have serious cash to hand, its just not viable to drive at all. I think several are again turning to Motorcycles for cheap transport, just like the olden days!

For most, especially those in rural areas, public transport is woefully inadequate and far too expensive, so its two wheels or stay at home. It must be particularly galling for the young, especially when employment is so difficult to find and they don't have access to any practical transport.

I note an enterprising 17 year old in the news recently bought a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. It only cost £76 a year to insure on the road, and he even reckoned it was great for pulling the girls!

 

[Scottyf]

When I was travelling about a bit a friend from Thirsk did exactly the above.
Insurance was tiny compared to any other form of private transport that yes it was anoisey lump but worked to get him about.

If you ask me its a damn clever way of expoiting the crazy costs of motoring.
Only since I stopped using the car did I realise how much of a little money pit it really was.

And I wasn't running a BMW either. Just a 1.2 Fiat punto. The bike alone saves me £2200 per annum.
Thats back pocket money. Thats running and usage costs. Let along buying the damn thing (Although that was peanuts).

I can't imagine how much of the population is spending on a decent car each year.

A few Inner tubes and tires, some brake pads and some electric power suit me down to the ground for commuting. If I really want to go somewhere I get on the train and Taxi it, or borrow a car and do a couple of days insurance. Much more cost effective.

There was a post on ES about the rising fuel cost also and its good to see some American chums are taking a keen interest in other forms of transport.

 

[DJH]

I note an enterprising 17 year old in the news recently bought a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. It only cost £76 a year to insure on the road, and he even reckoned it was great for pulling the girls!

Using the 3 point linkage ?

 

[eddieo]

my daughter was dead keen to do test, she passed first time (like moi) drove for a year before going to Uni. My son could not care less (2 years younger, daughter now 20)
I have offered to pay for the 1 week course and test scheme, but he is not bothered....

 

[flecc]

I note an enterprising 17 year old in the news recently bought a Massey Ferguson 135 tractor. It only cost £76 a year to insure on the road

And he'd probably get away with using dirt cheap red diesel too!

 

[flecc]

my daughter was dead keen to do test, she passed first time (like moi) drove for a year before going to Uni. My son could not care less (2 years younger, daughter now 20)
I have offered to pay for the 1 week course and test scheme, but he is not bothered....

I suppose he's been using free public transport in London too Eddie, I think it has a big influence by instilling the habit of using it.

 

[amigafan2003]

Do people even still pay for insurance and an MOT anymore?

I don't bother - I just make sure I don't crash or get pulled over by the Police.

 

[flecc]

Do people even still pay for insurance and an MOT anymore?

I don't bother - I just make sure I don't crash or get pulled over by the Police.

I think you're teasing since registered ownership of the car now allows you to be traced for the offences, but in answer to your question, I do, insurance on both cars and MOT on the one that requires it.

 

[amigafan2003]

I think you're teasing since registered ownership of the car now allows you to be traced for the offences, but in answer to your question, I do, insurance on both cars and MOT on the one that requires it.

Spoilsport!

For the record, the Westfield isn't insured or MOT'd, but I haven't driven it since October Insurance is only £190 a year on the Westy and it does 40mpg Super environmentally friendly as well seeing as it's built out of recycled parts

 

[flecc]

Spoilsport!

I couldn't resist!

 

[eddieo]

I suppose he's been using free public transport in London too Eddie, I think it has a big influence by instilling the habit of using it.

I guess, but that runs out at 18. he is at Uni in Swansea since last year, lovely cycling except for the hills. really nice on front cycling into Mumbles.

daughter signed up for Boris bikes as she is at LSE, has it down to a fine art...if you park bike up within 30 mins, no charge, wait 5 mins and take another bike and on you go

 

[flecc]

daughter signed up for Boris bikes as she is at LSE, has it down to a fine art...if you park bike up within 30 mins, no charge, wait 5 mins and take another bike and on you go

Yes, I believe lots do that! Apparently it's left them well short of the expected income, which is why Boris had to go back to Barclays Bank cap in hand for more cash.

 

[eddieo]

Yes, I believe lots do that! Apparently it's left them well short of the expected income, which is why Boris had to go back to Barclays Bank cap in hand for more cash.

Daughter has an internship with Barclay's Capital this summer and may well be offered an analyst position (talk about working for the enemy) Do you think they would still take her on if they new she was a cycle cheat?

when I told her I read that minimum back of house bonus was £65000 she just laughed and said KERCHING!lol

 

[RoadieRoger]

For those youngsters not bothered about taking the driving test , I would say do it even if you don`t want a car at present . I rode Motorcycles ( and still do) until the age of 30 without bothering to sit the car test . After passing the test and changing jobs a few times , every new job involved driving , right up until retirement 8 years ago . Having a Driving Licence will greatly enhance your job prospects .

 

[bode]

really nice on front cycling into Mumbles.

"On front cycling"; is that like an up-side down recumbent?