We also have a few tips for staying timely:
1. Plan for traffic.
2. Sign up for text alerts so we can give you a nudge when your reservation is coming to an end.
3. Visit zipcar.com on your mobile device to check if your car is available and extend your reservation.

Last month, we told you that hundreds across Zipcar Nation had committed to car-free living for thirty days as part of our Low-Car Diet. Well, today we're pleased as punch to report that nearly 60% of those dieters have decided to stay car-free long term. And we weren't kidding about the healthier environment and lifestyle. Participants reported increasing their miles walked by 85% and their miles biked by 136%. Get inspired at zipcar.com/lowcardiet.

Remember when you were a kid playing hide-and-seek and you thought if you covered your eyes no one could find you? Unless you're still sitting on the floor with your eyes covered, you figured out that's not the case. Same rules apply here. Driving in a Zipcar does not mean the law can't see you. If you speed, run a light, or whoosh through a tollbooth*, you're not in disguise.

The best way to handle any legal "issue" in a Zipcar is to just fess up. There is no additional financial penalty for tickets received in a Zipcar—unless you don't tell us. You can choose to pay the ticket yourself or appeal it (your choice), but please make sure to call 866.494.7227 or email info@zipcar.com and let us know the situation. If the ticket makes it to us before you do, there is a $20 processing fee, plus any additional penalties that may have accrued on the ticket. Of course, the best approach is to abide by the law, drive safely, and slow down on yellow!

* And the tollbooth thing is tricky. If you're using your own toll transponder, you may have to register the Zipcar on that account in order for it to work – check with your local toll authority to confirm the rules and regulations.

Fall Cleaning is the little-known cousin to Spring Cleaning. About this time every year, we like to take a look at the abode and find ways to prepare for fall. Sprinkling sand from our sneakers is a start, but this fall, we think there are even more things to do. Don't just clean, green.

Start small: change out your light bulbs, commit to carrying a water bottle instead of buying plastic, and find ways to carpool at every corner. The good news all year round is that Zipcar is a part of your efforts to be green. We try to remind people whenever we can—Zipcar is helping to save the world, and so are you.

So this season, look good in green.

• 318 Spear St.--The Infinity Building
• The Russ Building at the corner of Bush and Montgomery

shopping without all those stores

Now in its third hit year, "Shopping! The Musical" is currently San Francisco's longest-running original musical. The award-winning revue features comedic songs about customers, stores, Victoria's Secret, people who pay with all change and much, much more. We'll give you a night of laughter, music, and "Shopping..." without maxing out your credit card! Five lucky Zipsters can enter to win a pair of tickets to any future Friday 8 PM performance at the Shelton Theatre at 533 Sutter St. by emailing amarshburn@zipcar.com but hurry because the contest ends September 30th. Click here for show information.

see the world at 15 miles per hour

The San Francisco Bicycle Coalition is a 9,000-member organization dedicated to creating safer streets and more livable communities for all San Franciscans by promoting the bicycle for everyday transportation. Visit www.sfbike.org for more information or to, you know, sign up.