With the days of summer over and the schools going back in session, we'll all be experiencing the buildup of traffic on Long Island's roadways. But a new event is coming on September 20 that may give us respite - the celebration of the 1st Annual Car Free Day Long Island.
Car Free Day is an international event that is celebrated in over 1,500 cities in 40 countries around the world. It's celebrated in different ways but with the common goal of taking cars off the road to reduce traffic congestion, improve the environment and reduce energy use.
This year, Long Island is joining the celebration. Commuters, students and families can pledge to go car free or car-lite at the Car Free Day LI website and be automatically entered into a raffle for great prizes such as commuter bikes, $100 gift cards, theatre tickets and more.
The launch of Car Free Day Long Island is being led by Transit Solutions and 511NYRideshare, in collaboration with a broad-based planning committee of Long Island leaders from major employers, business, civic and environmental groups, universities and municipalities, including the USGBC LI Chapter. The event encourages Long Islanders to use commute alternatives such as transit, carpooling, bicycles, walking and telecommuting to help reduce traffic, conserve energy, reduce harmful emissions, improve fitness, reduce parking problems and save money.
Car Free Day LI is Long Island's event. It's about Long Islanders taking action to have a positive impact on our environment and reduce our carbon footprint.
"Transportation is a major contributor to pollution and carbon emissions. In fact, over 30% of greenhouse gas emissions generated on Long Island are attributable to transportation," noted committee member Fran Reid, chief sustainability officer for the town of North Hempstead and lead agency of 2013 Cleaner Greener Long Island Regional Sustainability Plan.
Whether commuting to work or school, or running errands around town, using your car less qualifies for participation in Car Free Day LI. Even those already using commute alternatives can take the pledge to go car free or car-lite.
Information on travel options as well as a toolkit for promoting the event to employees is available at the Car Free Day LI website: carfreedayli.com.
Rosemary Mascali is a manager at Transit Solutions and co-chair of the Car Free Day LI event, Manhasset, N.Y. Tags: