The District Council unanimously approved a resolution today designating September 18, 2007 as “DC Car Free Day.”  Councilmember Tommy Wells, joined by Councilmembers Cheh and Gray introduced this resolution to celebrate the diverse transportation choices provided in D.C.  It will be a day where residents and commuters alike will be invited to enjoy and rediscover the city without their cars.  

“Car Free Day is an opportunity for us all to rediscover our city without cars.  Whether you walk, bike, skate, take the bus or metro, there are lots of ways to get around.  This will be our day to reconnect with our neighbors and fellow citizens and leave our isolating cars at home,” commented Wells.

World Car Free Day is celebrated by 1,500 cities in 40 countries every September.  This will mark the first official citywide car-free event in D.C.  Hundreds of thousands of cars clog the city streets every day exacerbating green house gas emissions, lengthy commutes, and persistent air pollution problems.  

Wells further noted, “Car Free Day will serve as a reminder to all of us that unlike many places, we are a city full of options.  Washington offers robust bus and rail service, as well as, good biking and walking infrastructure.  By pledging together to leave our cars home on Car-Free Day, we will be choosing to celebrate those choices and saying ‘no thanks’ to the traffic, noise pollution and pedestrian hazards that accompany every rush hour.”

Councilmember Wells will welcome the DC community to chime in with their ideas about how to make Car Free Day a day to remember.  People can post comments at Councilmember Wells’ blog at www.tommywells.org.