September 22, 2016, Thursday - Minneapolis' first World Car Free Day

Here’s a challenge to go  “Car Free” or “Car-lite” (carpooling) for an entire day on Thursday, September 22nd. Minneapolis will be joining dozens of cities across the globe in celebration of World Car Free Day. It’s a day to explore alternatives to single occupancy vehicles, and our city has many modes to offer. Of course, ZAPPING your ride on September 22nd is highly encouraged!

Conceptualized in Toledo, Spain in 1994, Car Free Day was launched the following year in Reykjavík (Iceland), Bath (United Kingdom) and La Rochelle (France). Under the informal guidance of the  World Car Free Days Consortium , the celebrations have been expanding throughout America, Europe, Australia and Asia ever since. Washington D.C. hosts the largest celebration in the United States with more and more communities participating each year. According to The Washington Post, the event “promotes improvement of mass transit, cycling and walking, and the development of communities where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within walking distance”

Keep the car parked in the garage on Thursday, September 22nd.  Move Minneapolis is working with our transportation partners to promote and educate about alternative transportation modes. How to commute by bus or train in a fast, efficient and sustainable manner. What bike routes and protected lanes go into downtown, and where to safely lock up your bike once you’ve arrived. Try carpooling and park for fee that day. Try car-sharing or bike-sharing – get all the benefits without having to own one.

Move Minneapolis is planning a number of Car Free Day events leading up to and including Thursday, September 22nd. Pledge to try a new transportation mode and be entered in a drawing for valuable prizes, including a new Bianchi Cortina bike courtesy of One On One Bike Studio. Stay tuned for details on Minneapolis’ first annual Car Free Day on September 22nd, 2016.