‘Drop the keys for a Day’ is this year’s theme for Car Free Day in the Washington, DC region. On Friday, September 22 Car Free Day raises awareness of better and healthier ways of getting around, other than driving alone. Travelers are encouraged to use transportation methods such as bicycling, walking, transit, or working from home; or car-lite methods such as carpooling or vanpooling. Car Free Day brings focus to lowering the harmful effects of pollution caused by cars, and to the positive aspects of transportation alternatives, such as improved mobility. Travelers are being asked to take the free online pledge at www.CarFreeMetroDC.org and indicate their greener transportation mode of choice on September 22.

Organizer of the event, the COG (or Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments) hopes that after trying different ways to get around other than driving alone, the experience will be such that consideration will be given for doing so on a more frequent basis. Although taking the pledge can still be done by those already using transportation alternatives, the event looks to make impact with those currently driving by themselves. Car Free Day is promoted by Commuter Connections, a program of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. There are car free or car-lite ways to run errands, go to class, or just have fun too. For example, on Car Free Day, bikeshare to that doctor appointment, Metrorail to campus, carpool to work, or take the bus to the museum.

Car Free Day is joining forces with the DC Department of Energy and Environment to raise awareness of the damaging effects of vehicle emissions, and to announce that the District of Columbia has been designated as a BreatheLife City. This effort is a campaign to help protect the health and well-being of citizens and the planet from the dangers of air pollution, and is being led by the World Health Organization, United Nations Environment, and the Climate & Clean Air Coalition.

In addition to improving the environment, other benefits of using transportation alternatives are abundant. Saving time and money, lowering driver frustration, getting exercise, and making new friends are just a few.

Doing good for the environment has its perks. Each person who takes the Car Free Day pledge will receive a Buy One-Get One Free offer from all Chipotle Mexican Grill locations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, good only on Friday, September 22, 2017. Everyone will also be entered into a raffle for great prizes including a Kindle Fire, Capital Bikeshare annual memberships, $25 SmarTrip® cards, gift cards to restaurants and more!

Car Free Day is teaming up with the American Lung Association, Mid-Atlantic region. The American Lung Association helps America breathe easier, and Car Free Day is a great day for residents, commuters, students, and homemakers to get around in a cleaner fashion.

More information: carfreemetrodc.org/