I Should We Buy Bikes or a Car?

There is another possibility. There is a company called Zipcar that will rent cars by the hour when needed. The rental fee covers all costs, including the cost of fuel. Hourly rates run from $8-$10, depending on the type of vehicle. There is an annual membership fee, but aside from this, you pay only when you use the car. You also have to apply in advance and be approved for membership (they will check your DMV record for any problems). There are many Zipcar vehicles located in Tempe, mostly on the campus of Arizona State University. This would not be a good option in an emergency because you generally have to have a reservation. Without a reservation, a car may or may not be available when you need one. But this would solve the problem of keeping food fresh when grocery shopping. A Zipcar could also be used for scheduled doctor appointments. Best wishes. http://www.zipcar.com/asu/

A car. You live in Arizona where there are extreme weather temperatures. I don't think it will be safe for you to ride a bike in the heat or the rain.

Can you buy a car and walk or ride the bus to nearby events? Tempe just isn't the place to rely solely on a bike. As well, I don't recall any real bike paths on the road. What would you do if you had to go outside of Tempe?

I have learned to do all the driving at one time or stay home. I drive a truck, so it was costing upward of $500 a month just in gas.

Being you have a child.... and anything can happen... what would you do in case of emergency and need a car?
And there are the weather aspects. When weather is bad, what will you do?

As an example: an Aunty of mine, who has a child, and who does not drive nor has a car (but her Husband has a car), recently called us in a panic. Why? Her Husband had fallen and had a huge gash in his head and bleeding etc. We live near her.
She had already called the ambulance, but they don't let you ride along in it. She wanted to get to the hospital asap. And calling a Taxi, was a big chunk of change etc. So she called us, being she was in a panic and we were the closest family near her. So we drove her and stayed WITH her at the hospital... which took several hours. Then her child stayed with us.

Things happen.
Of which you cannot predict. Of which, a car is very handy.
But again, you said the costs of a car and its care taking is money.

So, you have to weigh, the scenarios.... of not having a car.
BEYOND, the daily regular routines and errands etc. And if/when your child starts to go to school... how will will you take him/her to school to drop off or pick her/him up? And if your child is sick.... how will you take her/him to the Doctor? A sick child, probably will not do well in a bus. So then a taxi? And that costs money too.

And you have to think about, the logistics of where your errands are that you need to do, your grocery shopping, the location of the Pediatrician, etc.

And as you said, the bus can be on strike.

If a person does not drive, and does not have a car.... as you said, it can put a strain on another person, with whom you ask them to take you places. That is another aspect of it.

For me, and having children, a car can be a life saver.
You don't have to use it everyday. Thus controlling gas spending.
And you need to shop around, for a reasonable priced car. New or used. AND there are "certified used cars" at reputable dealers.

And, it seems you live on a hill.
Can you, pedal up that hill with cargo/a child in the back?
Or pedal down that hill with cargo/a child in the back?

Unless you live within walking distance of everything you need (like I do), you need a car.

Even living within walking distance, say you could bike, what if it's dangerously hot? What if you're in the middle of a blizzard or a hurricane? Walking/biking everywhere with a kid is just not practical.

As your child ages, you won't be able to bike together anyway. No one rides their 8 year old around on the handlebars, it's just not safe.

And if a bike chain comes loose, you can still break, the break lines are separate from the chain.

You need a car.

My husband and I love biking, and we've been doing it for a while. First, bikes are expensive too. You can't just buy one and be done. They have upkeep just like a car does, but on a smaller scale (tires, chain maintenance, etc). Second, it is not easy to carry groceries on bikes because it throws off your balance. The saddle bags and baskets do not hold very much..they're meant for packing a picnic and some bike tools. Also, how far is the store from your house? Are there bike paths, lanes, or sidewalks you could ride on? It's dangerous to ride on just the side of a road because many cars don't pay attention or don't see you. And it gets HOT when you ride in the summer.

If it were me in your situation, I'd go for the car. If it were just you and your husband, the bikes would suffice; but because you have young kids, I think the car is more practical. Then you could carpool on and off with friends/family too (you drive, they drive), and take the bus sometimes. Do your research on the best car for your needs, and don't worry about it breaking down now....cross that bridge later. You can and will make it work. Just have to figure out how to get there.

Zipcar would be great if they have it in your area. Also, check with public transportation - they have an on-call shuttle in my area where you make a reservation and they can drive you within their route. It may be $5 or more round trip, but could work if you only use it a few times a month. Also, check with your local senior center - they often take their people on trips to the supermarket - perhaps you could pay THEM if they are within walking distance for you to get to. Good luck!

I think the Zipcar is the best way to go. You can plan to go shopping and run errands at the same time every week and make your reservations accordingly. A car is very expensive when you factor in gas, insurance and maintenance. A used car WILL have maintenance and you have to have money put aside for that in advance or you will be in the same situation.

You can get a small cooler to carry your cold items home from the grocery - keeping them fresh. If the market is close to your house I think a bike would be fine - go early in the morning when it is cooler out. They do make saddle bags for bikes - they kind you see long distance cyclists using.

My area has a system called bike and ride - bike riders can ride part of the way - then catch the public bus which has a bike rack on the front of it. It allows the best of both worlds - bike riding to/from the neighborhoods the bus doesn't go through, but safer transport on the major roads.

I did a quick Google search for childrens' bike seats and found several options - WeeRide Co-Pilot Bike Trailer and Trail a Bike.

If you live in a compact neighborhood where the market and stores are fairly close to you home, I think a bike would get you through until you are able to purchase a car. There are many neighborhoods in my area that are compact and not everyone has a car - they bus, bike and walk. And I live in a fairly rural area, i.e., not a big city.

For bigger trips maybe take a cab or catch a ride with your friend - do big grocery shopping for non-perishables once a month - heck even bread freezes well, and my granny used to freeze milk. Then you can limit your other trips to every couple weeks.

My thoughts are that you live in Arizona so it will be hot and dry during the summer months. That is not right to make a child be out in that while mom and dad are shopping and riding back and forth. That is the only reason I can see to not do bikes if you are willing to use them to go to the store every day. Your food will have to be purchased every day since it will get so hot while coming home. It won't last like regular food will.