Cars. We need them to get to work, to go to the store and to go out with our friends on the weekend.
Most of us can't imagine life - especially life in the Valley of the Sun - without them. But, believe it or not, there are a handful of Valley residents who do not own cars.
This week's State Press feature "Deserted in the Desert" follows five Tempe residents who live and travel everyday by alternative modes of transportation, for a variety of reasons.
From a man who received an underage DUI to a woman who can't afford car insurance to a man who just chooses not to drive, these people show us car-dependent citizens that it is not always necessary to drive everywhere.
For those of us who can't imagine the feeling of being stranded on foot, we have something to learn.
There are plenty of alternative modes of transportation to get us around the Valley. And with a little bit of effort, it might just make a difference.
For example, the City of Phoenix last year offered all ASU students a free bus pass to encourage more people to take mass transportation to class.
The upcoming light rail system, which will travel through Mesa, Tempe and downtown Phoenix, will provide another avenue for mass transportation. This will be particularly advantageous for students who must travel between ASU's downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses.
Though the light rail will not be completed until 2008, there are alternatives available now.
Riding a bicycle or a man-powered scooter can get you to and from any number of locations. Though not idealistic for long distances, bikes can surely be relied upon to go to the store or to get to campus if you live close enough.
But with the 110-degree temperatures outside, why put in the extra effort to ride a bike or catch a bus, when you could just drive if you have the opportunity?
The answer to this question may be as close as your nearest gas station and it's $3 per gallon gas prices.
It's getting difficult to even afford to drive to work 20 minutes away, because your gas bills are more than your paychecks these days. Combined with the price of car insurance and maintenance, the price of owning a car is getting out of control.
Or maybe it's the fact that global warming might actually exist and you feel the need to take care of your environment.
It could also be the speeding tickets and DUI that stop you from driving and put you on the seat of a bike.
Whatever the reason, we know it's difficult, so we commend you - not only for sticking it out with your particular situation, but for showing the rest of us that with a little determination and work, it can be done.
