Do you ever want to get in a little walk but don’t have time because you have errands to run?
Have you wished you could go to the store without your car but your planned purchases will be too heavy to carry home?
Is that shopping too close to justify getting out the bike so you can use panniers or a trailer?
You may need to invest in this one life hack: a rolling cart, also known as a trolly cart.
Sadly, these carts have a reputation in Canada as something for little old ladies, and the images available on-line back up this prejudice. But I have mental images of stylish women and men in Europe or Montreal, filling their carts at the farmers market. Something like this:
But why stop at a two-wheeled cart? There are versions available with six wheels to make it easier to go up stairs. or four wheels if pushing is easier than pulling for you. Or the kind you can attach to your bike (I have one and love it for bigger packages or shopping further away from home).
Depending on the manufacturer, there are versions made using recycled plastics, with very long warranties, plus reminders that using a cart can be environmentally friendly as you walk or take public transit for your errands. I love that.
I bought my little old lady rolly cart secondhand from someone in the neighbourhood. It’s just a plain bright blue, but large and sturdy. I can easily fit a case of cat food, a turkey, three litres of milk, and several other large objects in and walk home again. Pulling it out of the closet guarantees me a minimum of a 20 minute walk. It won’t necessarily be fast, but I’ll have a chance to clear my head in the fresh air, and enjoy what is happening around me.
It may not be conventionally stylish, but I think practical, comfortable and sustainable is a great look.
