About
What is World Carfree Day?
Carfree Day is a lesson in options. Carfree 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. Carfree Day prompts us to think outside the lanes and curbs that conduct our movement and to explore other varied and efficient ways to see our city. 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.
Why should we do this?
CarFree DC will be a stepping-stone towards a city filled with people choosing different modes of transportation depending on the conditions and their activities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,930,182 car accidents in 2006, and 43,300 people were killed. That is 118 a day, nearly five people killed every hour! The less time you spend in a car, the less likely you are to be killed by one.
How will I get around?
Anyway you want to, as long as you give your poor car a break for a day. DC is a wonderful city to explore on foot, and is very pedestrian friendly. Check out our “How to” section for tips on going carfree. Bicycles are also a great way to get around town, and there are many companies that rent bikes for very reasonable rates. DC is also blanketed by one of the most efficient and cleanest public transit systems in the country, and friendly Metro staff are always willing to help people figure out fares, schedules, and bus routes. Beyond that, the sky is the limit! Try traveling by horseback, hang glider, canoe, bobsled, etc.
There are a lot of flyers around for CarFree Day. What can I do with them instead of throwing them away?
Great question! There are a lot of flyers for CarFree Day and we encourage you to try to come up with ways to reuse them instead of tossing them in the trash can, or on the ground. Some ways to reuse the postcard/flyers: collect them all and tile your bedroom or bathroom wall; use as wrapping paper; use as bookmarks; mail; pass on to friends; refashion into greeting cards or present tags; use as a straightedge; a coaster, etc. If you can’t think of any uses for the flyers, please bring them to 17th St. on September 22 and we will have a bin to collect them for reuse next year. If you can think of more uses, let us know and we’ll list them here.
Won’t this mean a loss of revenue for businesses?
Absolutely not. CarFree DC is an invitation for our friends and neighbors to take to the streets and to explore our beautiful DC neighborhoods. Through coordination of activites, events, and promotion CarFree DC will be minimally disruptive, popular, and a positive experience for all involved. Similar events in Portland and Vancouver gained strong support from the business community after resulting in increased revenue for area businesses.
What about emergency vehicles?
As we said, gasoline engines still have a predominant place in our society and serve many useful purposes. Emergency vehicles will not be hindered or impeded by car free day. Ideally, there may be less traffic for them to get through.
What about deliveries?
With a decentralized production system, delivery trucks are another vehicle that is still needed in our society; however, for the public’s safety delivery trucks will not be permitted to enter the streets that are closed to traffic on September 22nd. We encourage vendors to reschedule their deliveries.
Can I celebrate Carfree Day in my neighborhood?
Yes. Apart from the obvious—not driving—you can celebrate Carfree Day in your neighborhood by opening a street to pedestrian traffic, planning a block party or other event. Maybe it’s time to contact your representatives. Not sure who your council member is? Find your neighborhood on this handy list and you’ll be able to get in touch with the Council member for your ward and tell them you want your neighborhood to be carfree for a few hours, a day, a week, etc. They love hearing from constituents… and leave us suggestions if you have ideas, we’d love to hear from you too.
When can we look forward to this again?
For now, we expect to do this every year on September 22nd, but you can always have your own Carfree Day whenever you want. We won’t stop you.
How can I contact you?
planning@carfreedc.info
Why is it so complicated? Am I Carfree? Or CarFree? Or car-free? Or carfree? Or car free?
You forgot Car Free. Really, we don’t care about your style as much as your usage. If you’re looking to be car free check out the how to section. If you’re looking to spell car+free here’s our suggested style:
* Carfree (adj.): Refers to “World Carfree Day”
* CarFree (n.): Refers to “CarFree DC”
* Car-free (adj.): Describing a car free way of being
* Car free (n. + adj.): To be free of cars
How can I get involved?
CarFree DC is looking for individuals, agencies and organizations that are excited about Carfree Day. If you would like more information about how you help or participate please email: planning@carfreedc.info.
