“Hi. My name is Jason, and I’m an autoholic… I love cars.”

That’s how Jason Rothstein begins his book, Carless in Chicago: Live and Thrive in Chicago Without Owning a Car (Lake Claremont Press, 2009). Such a confession gives him a broader platform to explore life in the Windy City without a car. This fellow is from the other side, which gives his conclusion – that owning a car in Chicago is a burden, not a luxury – more credence.

As is often the case, the convert is especially fervent. Rothstein’s arguments are convincing and his advice is extremely well researched. His insights are thoughtful and helpful, even for a choir of bike fans, environmentalists or health nuts who already realize the benefits of a carless lifestyle.

Rothstein tells not only how to go carless, but why. And he states his case in a practical way that never gets preachy. He explains that getting along without a car can actually improve your life by saving time and money. Rothstein calculates, for example, that his hatchback costs $6,700 a year, even by driving only about 4,000 miles. Then he proceeds to fantasize about other fun ways to spend that money, such as lunch for twelve every weekend of the year, or season subscriptions for four at the Court, Goodman, Steppenwolf and Chicago Shakespeare Theaters, as well as the Lyric Opera, combined!

Carless in Chicago covers all that is needed to easily transition to a car-free – i.e. care-free – state. It includes basic information, such as a description of Chicago’s grid system and a discussion about safety. It also goes into detail for more advanced practitioners: the possible benefits of fitting a water taxi ride into your commute, and a transit toolkit that includes a list of every “L” station, line-by-line, with a description of their respective neighborhoods. And here’s a useful tip: if you don’t have shower facilities at work, why not take your bike to work on the bus or “L” and just bike home?

This highly readable book is an invaluable guide for those who want to explore their transportation options, whether they are a native or a visitor, carless by choice or by circumstance. It’s also a great roadmap for someone considering whether to shed a second car.

Lake Claremont Press, which specializes in books about Chicago, just published Carless in Chicago this autumn. The book is so comprehensive, well organized and entertaining that it is sure to have an impact on transportation in the city.

Welcome to our side, Mr. Rothstein.