Car Free Day is This Wednesday, Sept. 22, MoCo Residents Eligible for Prize Raffles

Car Free Day is This Wednesday, Sept. 22, MoCo Residents Eligible for Prize Raffles

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 20, 2021

Montgomery County residents are encouraged to participate in Car Free Day on Wednesday, Sept. 22. Car Free Day is a worldwide event that encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, rail, bus, in a carpool or teleworking.

Using more sustainable ways to get around helps reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. The more people that travel using alternative modes, the fewer greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.

Residents are invited to take the pledge to participate in Car Free Day on September 22. Each entry will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Participants can take the pledge at http://ow.ly/A2S730rSQtt.

“We all play a part in supporting our County’s climate action goals and is a great way to get moving outdoors,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Thanks to MCDOT, which builds and maintains our infrastructure, Montgomery County has the benefit of so many sidewalks, trails and bikeways. I plan to participate in Car Free Day and hope to see Montgomery County residents getting outside and joining in.”

Chris Conklin, director of the County Department of Transportation, said: “This is a fun way to reduce emissions and get some exercise. Transportation is responsible for 40 percent of Montgomery County’s greenhouse gas emissions. We hope this initiative will get residents moving outdoors and encourage healthy habits that will favorably impact our environment.”

In addition, the County Department of Transportation is currently running a “Bicycle Swag Bag Contest” through Sunday, Sept. 26. The contest calls for bike riders to submit a picture of themselves riding along a bike path or trail in the County to be entered into a weekly drawing for a swag bag. For more information visit, http://ow.ly/FH6y30rSQwi.

Residents who do not own a bike can use the Capitol Bikeshare system. Thousands of bikes are provided throughout the region, including Montgomery County. Check out a bike and return it to any station near your destination. Single trip, daily and yearly memberships are available. The first 30 minutes of each trip is free. Visit the Bikeshare location map at https://bit.ly/3htsHE9.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, and subscribe to MCDOT’s ‘Go Montgomery!’ newsletter.