SEPTEMBER 22nd- CAR FREE DAY

Car Free Day is an international event celebrated every September 22nd in which people are encouraged to get around without their car - highlighting transit, bicycling, walking and all alternative modes of transportation. By taking a fair number of cars off the roads people who live and work there are given a chance to consider how their neighborhood might look and work with a lot fewer cars. Every September 22, people from around the world get together in the streets, intersections, and neighborhood blocks to remind the world that we don't have to accept our car-dominated society.

Car Free Day began as a street party in Bath, England in 1995. Due to its success, English transportation officials decided to expand the program into an annual event, and the momentum of good idea soon established similiar celebrations in France, Switzerland, and now all of the countries in the Eupopean Union and some in the Eastern Europe. All events are held on the same day, September 22. In Europe, town center streets will be closed to traffic allowing street theater, live music, dancing and public art.

Maybe your cities or townships can't block off the streets to allow for these types of celebrations, but there are other ways to encourage your township and/or employees to reduce their carbon footprint.

• Offer incentives for driving alternatives
• Hold luncheons or seminars to get individuals aware of public transit that is available in your area
• Discuss carpooling/vanpooling or shuttle options that may work for your employees and residents

Click here for more information about World Car Free Day and to see what your area can do not only for today but the changes you should make for the future!