Government Eco-Action Monday: Go Car(e) Free

Celebrate Car Free Day on Sept. 22

On Tuesday, September 22, leave your cars – and cares – behind as you celebrate the DC metro area’s second annual Car Free Day. As you walk, run, bike or blade (or ride Metro, of course) and see Washington from a different perspective, you’ll also see how your neighborhood might look or work with a lot fewer cars.

Funded by the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia and U.S. Departments of Transportation, Car Free Day is part of a global celebration – World Carfree Day (yes, that’s how they spell it overseas) that began with the activities of Car Busters, an international organization founded in 1997.

Locally, Car Free Day began in 1997 with 1,000 participants in the District and was expanded last year to include the entire metro area – with 5,445 residents pledging to be car free. Citizens (including those already using alternate transportation) who take the Car Free Day Pledge are eligible to win prizes, even those who normally drive solo and opt to go “car lite” (carpool) that day.

To further encourage participation, local communities and businesses are hosting several events, starting with the Confident City Cycling Class 1 to be held September 9 at the Walter Reed Community Center in Arlington (the level “2” class will follow on September 19).

While enjoying your car-less freedom on CF Day (just think, no stressed-out driving or parking spot hunting!), meet some like-minded car- and carefree citizens at the District’s free street festival at 7^th and F Streets, NW. Or take advantage of a free bike rental at the DC or Alexandria location of Bike and Roll. Reservations are required, so be sure to call early. For more information and a complete list of events on and around September 22, visit the Car Free Day Information page.

And to see what your car-less compatriots are doing across the globe as part of World Carfree Day, visit http://editthis.info/wcd

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User BikePortland.org