Autoholics Anonymous' 12-step programme is divided into 12 months of activities and excersises to help you wean yourself from your excessive car use and develop the alternatives that are right for you. Before you start, however, you should make sure that you are ready by reading AA's 12 admissions. Once you can honestly admit that you have a problem and want to actively find a solution, then you are truly ready to go!
Our monthly tips and advice offer a framework for your progress towards a happier, healthier and wealthier life. Take it one day at a time, then one week at a time. As a member of Autoholics Anonymous, you will receive our 12-month programme, which you can customise according to your own goals and needs.
Below is a sample month from the programme's calendar for those beginning in January 2007. (Autoholics Anonymous currently also offers specially tailored 12-month programmes starting in November or December 2006.)
Month 1 - January 2007
It's a new year! Once you've recovered from the holidays, your main task this month is to read the 'Cutting Your Car Use' book provided in your membership pack. Discuss the book with your family, and involve them in the additional weekly steps throughout the month:
Day 1
First thing in the morning, before you go anywhere, check your car's mileometer, and write down the mileage figure. You will later use this to find out how many miles you're driving each month.
Days 1-7
Take a couple hours on a dry-weather day - with an umbrella just in case - to explore your neighbourhood on foot. Make mental notes of what services are available nearby and how long it takes to reach them. Look for pleasant walking routes and shortcuts.
Days 8-14
Collect information on local bus routes and timetables. Get a good map of your town or city,
as well as a cycle route map. Put these maps and timetables up at home. Note the locations of your regular destinations, and investigate how some might be replaced with more local destinations that are manageable without a car.
Days 15-21
After reading the relevant chapters of 'Cutting Your Car Use', think about which transport options you'd like to try out in February, and for which journeys. Make a list of what equipment you think you will need, starting with just the basics.
Days 22-30
Take an hour or two of focused time with your family to discuss your non-automobile options and decide which you will try out in February and which you might try out in later months. For now, just look at the journeys where the mode of transport and/or destination can be changed relatively easily.
Day 31
Monthly Milestone: The end of Month 1, and you are now very well informed about your transport options. Information is power - in this case, power to bring about personal change. Remind yourself of the benefits coming your way. You will soon be happier, healthier and wealthier!
End-of-month activity: Write down your 1st January mileometer reading and your end-of-month mileometer reading. The difference is your monthly mileage for January. Then based on your January petrol receipts, figure out how much you spent.
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