Tim Flores, Minimalist From Bellingham, Washington, Moves House On A Bicycle To Reduce Environmental Impact

Tim Flores of Bellingham, Wash., has some pretty great friends. So great that they were willing to help him haul almost one ton worth of furniture across town -- on bicycles.

For more than a decade, Flores -- a self-declared minimalist -- has been living without a car. So when the 30-year-old decided to move apartments this week, he saw it as a challenge, the Bellingham Herald reports. By using minimalism as a way of life, Flores says he reduces his impact on the environment and stays healthy.

With the help of nine friends, Flores packed all his belongings, which included a sofa, dining room set and bed, on nothing but bicycles and bike trailers.

They then took to the streets, weaving their way -- a bizarre assemblage of churning legs, wheels and furniture -- through the Bellingham streets.

"It is very Beverly Hillbillies-looking," Flores, who works at a local community food co-op, said. "I'm used to this craziness, but this is pretty wild."

Flores said that he hopes people will rethink their dependence on cars -- for the sake of both their own good health and the health of the environment.

"Not everyone can move an entire home by bike, but you can walk to the store or ride a bike to work once a week," he said. "That's within everyone's grasp."

It took 45 minutes of slow and steady biking to cover the five mile distance, but the herd of bikers and their wares arrived at the new apartment without a scratch, the Daily Mail reports.

"Hey, not too tiring," Flores said, sweat-soaked but happy. "We should do this again next week."

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Comments

[Mary Sue Clements]

05:57 PM on 04/04/2012

Wonderful article- I hope it inspires many of us to do similar acts.

[rewith85man]

09:50 PM on 03/31/2012

It looks like he can only take some of his furniture. He may have to go back to retrieve the rest of his stuff.

[ccselkie]

07:21 PM on 03/31/2012

Why would a minimalist need a couch and coffee table in the first place? All you need is a wigwum and a buffalo hide.

[bridgeman]

01:01 PM on 03/31/2012

great work out too!

[shoogie]

10:44 AM on 03/31/2012

I've heard of this story before and find it quite impressive. A Cycling-based lifestyle has tremendous support in the Pac NW where cities like Portland are focussing their transportation plans to support and encourage more walking, bicycling, public transportation and carpooling. There are a lot more possibilities for pedal power than most people realize.

Good on Tim Flores!

[Dahveed1]

10:13 AM on 03/31/2012

I'm shocked, I would have thought a minimalist would have lived in a mud and stick structure, not an apartment.

Anyway, good for him for moving this way, but don't try to get me to live that lifestyle.

[cc883sport]

07:33 AM on 03/31/2012

Moving is very stressful, so the fact that you and your friends were able to do that is pretty awesome though.....

[cc883sport]

07:32 AM on 03/31/2012

Your statement is wrong: Not everyone can walk, and not everyone can ride a bike. Consider yourself lucky that you are able to. just saying......

[oneeasyrider]

05:48 PM on 04/03/2012

You're familiar with the old adage, "use it or lose it." People are able to do much more than they realize. Positive attitude and motivation is only requirement, for most.

[Aristarchy]

04:43 PM on 03/30/2012

where,s my Hummer ?
LOL

[BuckyJamesDio]

04:10 PM on 03/30/2012

"For more than a decade, Flores -- a self-declared minimalist -- has been living without a car for 10 years"

Um ...

[widelens]

06:39 AM on 03/31/2012

Um...what?

[BuckyJamesDio]

11:25 AM on 03/31/2012

Re-read the quote I took from the article.