From A(to)Z

In Phoenix, I’m a pedestrian.

I left my clunky SUV in Florida, and now I depend mainly on the Valley Metro light rail system and my own legs for transportation. My other supplementary means will be the university’s Zipcar program, city buses, taxis, rental cars (for longer trips) and a bike (currently researching which is the best one for my lifestyle).

While I shift from being a suburban commuter (50+ miles a day) to an urban pedestrian (usually within a 10-mile radius), I’m discovering that the process can be both liberating and oppressive. It’s liberating because I don’t have to worry about gas prices, insurance rates or parking spaces most days. It’s oppressive because I can’t be as spontaneous or careless with my schedule due to the fact that I depend on a system that doesn’t cater to my whims.

Insight from this experience will find its way to this site soon. I’ve already decided to chronicle my “Pedestrian Pet Peeves,” and once I buy my bicycle, I’ll add tidbits about that, too.

One step at a time, though …