We grew up without a car - probably not such a big deal in the UK but it meant we were very organised since you had to be at the station to get the bus or train into town.

You do save a lot of money - enough to keep us in decent vacations and computers, back when computers were expensive and it's only grudgingly my husband and I have a car now.

As for emergency trips - there's always the taxi and you can get bookshelves delivered -No problem

But yes - Helmets are a must when cycling!