IN CASE YOU haven't
I hadn't heard of this event until last week, but I thought it fit right in with our commuting theme.
The sponsors of World Car-Free Day explain it as follows:
"One day every year, people from all over the globe gather together in the street, intersections and neighborhood blocks to remind the world that we don't have to accept living in a car-dominated society. As the climate heats up, this kind of event is the perfect way to take the heat off the planet, and put it on city planners and politicians to give priority to cycling, walking and public transport instead of to the automobile."
Now, I have to be honest, I've been doing this commuting thing for a long time. And I can't remember ever seeing people gathered in the streets or neighborhoods to celebrate this event.
I do happen to think it's a great idea. Though I doubt that many commuters will climb out of their cars for this day (I am giving notice about it a little late), it certainly does call attention to alternatives to driving that may be worth further investigation.
There are several interesting promotions going on
These include Try Transit Week, Sept. 22-25, which is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. On its Web site (drpt.virginia.gov) you can register to win an entire year of free transit.
The Commuter Connections network is offering events and tools on its Web site (mwcog.org) to help you learn about helpful alternatives to driving your car to work.
Even the federal government is getting involved. The General Services Administration is offering federal employees a free trial
Even though you may not be able to take part in the events planned for World Car-Free Day 2008, you can begin planning now for next year's celebration,
I'd like to close with a quote from the sponsors of World Car-Free Day in describing what this event is truly about:
"Car-Free Day is a lesson in options. Car-Free Day is not anti-car, and there are no political strings attached. We acknowledge that gasoline engines currently are still needed in our society; however, we also believe that our citizens do not need to chain themselves to a single transportation philosophy.
" You may find a new mode of transportation that fits better in a facet of your life, or you may not. The important thing is to be aware that the options are available and that you are free to choose."
Michael Kole of Spotsylvania County commutes to Alexandria. Write him c/o Commuter Crossroads, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; e-mail
Email: newsroom@freelancestar.com.