When you move to a rural town, living car-free seems like a noble goal—less carbon, fewer costs, more reliance on public transit. But in practice, it’s a logistical maze. Buses often run infrequently, ride-sharing is spotty and expensive, and cycling can feel perilous. The challenge isn’t just personal; it exposes deeper inequities. For those without a car, life’s essentials—groceries, appointments, opportunities—become unreachable. Creative solutions like car shares and better infrastructure show promise, but for now, the countryside’s independence comes with a heavy dependency: a car.
This is a reminder for Minot. When we talk about things like affordable housing, we should probably add the cost of car ownership if we want to be honest, and we want a true picture of the world we’re living in.