Imagine ditching your car and rediscovering the joy of pedaling through life—saving money, boosting health, and even easing city traffic. But is this simple choice really the key to a greener, more affordable future? Let's dive into the fascinating world of frugal transportation and uncover why bicycles might just be the unsung heroes of urban living.
In his upcoming book, Cheapskate in Lotusland: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget, Tyee contributing editor Steve Burgess explores the art of living modestly yet joyfully in pricey Vancouver. Drawing from personal anecdotes and real-world observations, this excerpt from 'Chapter 20: The Virtuous Cycle' takes us on a bike ride through the city, highlighting how choosing two wheels over four can lead to unexpected perks beyond just pinching pennies.
Burgess himself relies on his trusty bicycle for getting around. He admits to once being a driver, but in Vancouver's bustling West End—where he works from home—the vehicle became more of a hassle than a help, gobbling up time and cash. Was it pure thriftiness that steered him toward cycling? Likely, yes. Yet, as often happens in life, this budget-savvy habit unlocked a cascade of unplanned advantages.
Health can feel like a roll of the dice sometimes. Even if you eat right, exercise, and dodge bad habits, unforeseen illnesses can strike anyone. For those fortunate enough to avoid such misfortunes, it's worth pausing to appreciate that luck every single day.
Burgess counts himself among the lucky ones, attributing much of his well-being to a disciplined lifestyle: no alcohol, no tobacco, and—despite being in his senior years—no medications whatsoever, whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Interestingly, he hasn't seen a family doctor in over three decades. (Note: This isn't something to emulate, as it sparks a broader conversation about Canada's healthcare system. Burgess is actively seeking a physician now, but the takeaway is that he hasn't needed one up until this point.) He firmly believes his bicycle is the cornerstone of his vitality.
Sure, kudos to gym enthusiasts who stick to their routines religiously. But cycling integrates seamlessly into everyday life—no rigid schedules or Herculean willpower required. Whether you're heading to the store for essentials, commuting to your job, or catching up with pals, the physical activity sneaks in as a natural bonus. Picture the bicycle wheel: it's a perfect loop of benefits, spinning effortlessly forward.
Burgess confesses he was never the star athlete in his youth—last picked for soccer games, and his sole basketball claim to fame was a hilariously botched shot that had the whole gym in stitches. That's why cycling appeals to him; it's exercise that doesn't highlight his shortcomings. He's not the goalkeeper costing his team goals, the yoga newbie flummoxing the instructor, or the ping-pong amateur getting dominated by senior citizens.
Instead, he's just a seasoned cyclist cruising to Save-On-Foods for discounted poultry, all while dodging parking fees. And here's where it gets intriguing: this simple mode of transport aligns perfectly with frugal principles.
As Danish urban planner Jan Gehl puts it, 'Life unfolds on foot. Humans are built for walking, and all events—big and small—blossom when we mingle with others on the streets.' By prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, cities score big: vibrant neighborhoods, appealing aesthetics, enhanced safety, environmental sustainability, and better public health—these are the hot topics of our era. Plus, it slashes costs. For frugality enthusiasts, bicycles are unbeatable.
Author Taras Grescoe, known for works like Straphanger and The End of Elsewhere, keeps a garage full of four bikes in Montreal, each tailored to specific scenarios. He points out that urban car ownership in Canada and the U.S. can tally up to about $12,000 annually, factoring in depreciation, fines, fuel, and insurance. Over a lifetime, that's a massive sum—more than most places worldwide. Cities feel the pinch too, shelling out billions for car infrastructure, while a few million might suffice for protected bike lanes. Moreover, this car-centric setup drags down economies and harms health. Regular cyclists, just going about their days to work or school, enjoy fitter lives and longer ones. From a financial standpoint, active options like biking or walking make far more sense.
But here's the controversial twist: despite the benefits, many cities remain locked into car culture. Grescoe notes that U.S. urban areas are designed around vehicles, making a shift challenging. For instance, New York's recent congestion pricing is helping, but resistance persists. And don't get him started on the myth that bike infrastructure caters only to elites. He sees it as a false divide—drivers are often portrayed as 'everyman workers,' while cyclists are dismissed as snobby. Yet, he, a non-wealthy resident, can afford city living precisely because he skips the $12,000 car burden. This 'culture war' frustrates him, especially since car owners are frequently the affluent ones.
Pedestrians and cyclists aren't just helping themselves—they're lightening the load for drivers too. Alex Boston, an urban planning expert and head of Simon Fraser University's Renewable Cities program, explains that even non-cyclists gain from more biking in their area. Every person switching to foot or pedal for short jaunts—like popping into the butcher, bakery, or coffee shop—frees up road space. While not every trip qualifies, short journeys dominate our weekly routines. Removing just 2-3% of cars from streets can boost speeds from 15-20 km/h to 50 km/h, breaking through congestion thresholds. Bike paths are the cheapest way to achieve this.
Selling this win-win to drivers is tough, though. In Vancouver, a 'civil war' simmers between two-wheeled and four-wheeled commuters, with motorists balking at losing even a sliver of road space. Urban planner Dale Littlejohn argues the blame is mutual: bike advocates often push for cyclists only, rather than everyone. Take Copenhagen—they thank riders for helping city budgets run smoothly, fostering inclusivity.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) have revolutionized urban cycling, drawing in folks who previously shied away from physical strain, thanks to pedal-assist uphill climbs.
Burgess has reservations about them. On one hand, more people off the roads is great for the environment. But as a purist who pedals manually, sharing narrow paths with motorized bikes feels risky. Since fitness is a major perk of cycling, e-bikes might dilute that edge.
Grescoe is open-minded: 'I'd prefer pure exercise, but I've warmed up after seeing e-bikes in Europe's hilly terrains prolong active lifestyles.' He recalls an elderly Italian man zipping up a steep street on one, looking spry and avoiding reckless Fiat drivers. Bike-share schemes are transforming cities too—Paris's Vélib, with 49.3 million rides in 2024 on 20,000 bikes (40% electric), exemplifies this. Vancouver's Mobi, launched in 2016, has been a hit on a smaller scale.
Bikes won't dominate urban transit forever—they'll coexist with buses, trains, and personal vehicles. Boston emphasizes a sustainability ladder: walking tops it, then cycling, transit, car-sharing, and finally electric cars. We need 'silver buckshot'—multiple fixes—for the climate crisis, not one miracle solution.
Affordability and environmental woes echo wartime lessons. During WWII, North Americans pooled resources for the war effort, with posters warning against solo drives: 'When you ride alone, you ride with Hitler.' (Imagine him fiddling with the radio for Wagner tunes—talk about a bad road trip!) Modern high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes promote sharing over selfishness for conservation.
Burgess reminisces about youthful hitchhiking across Canada and the U.S. West Coast, solo or with buddies. It was budget-friendly, given their slim wallets, and tied to a countercultural vibe—long hair, canned ravioli, and sleeping under the stars along the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hitchhiking has faded in North America, but author Jonathan Purkis (Driving with Strangers: What Hitchhiking Tells Us about Humanity) finds European scenes more lively, with networks, races, and festivals blending DIY spirit and outdoor traditions from post-communist nations. Geography aids this international camaraderie.
Jack Reid, author of Roadside Americans: The Rise and Fall of Hitchhiking in a Changing Nation, initially hoped economic downturns and green movements post-2008 might revive it, like in the Depression era. But paranoia and distrust prevailed, turning it into a relic. Now, apps like Uber and Lyft offer paid rides by strangers, commodifying what was once free and social.
The pandemic briefly raised Reid's hopes for unity, but it instead deepened divisions and eroded trust. Transportation often ties into identity—if it symbolizes freedom, we should embrace diverse options for personal and communal gain. And in doing so, we can collectively overcome even symbolic 'Hitlers.'
This is the part most people miss: Is cycling truly a silver bullet for cities, or does it unfairly burden drivers? E-bikes—game-changers or exercise cheats? And could reviving hitchhiking rebuild trust in our atomized world? What do you think? Do you agree that frugal choices like biking pave the way for healthier, cheaper living, or is this just wishful thinking for urban elites? Share your thoughts in the comments—let's debate!
Excerpted from 'Chapter 20: The Virtuous Cycle' in Cheapskate in Lotusland by Steve Burgess, forthcoming in 2026 from Douglas & McIntyre. Reproduced with publisher permission.
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