One of the things I am most proud of in life, much to the surprise and occasional scorn of people I encounter, is never having learned how to drive. Instead, I rely on my own two feet, a bicycle when feeling brave, and public transport when it exists. Far from holding me back, I have only ever considered the benefits of this decision, particularly in terms of my health and lower living costs. Of course, many readers will respond that this is not practical for everyone, and that large numbers of people genuinely rely on their cars. If fewer people felt compelled to drive for short, everyday journeys, our towns and cities could enjoy lighter traffic, fewer collisions and lower emissions.

Source: The Irish Times February 03, 2026 16:17 UTC