Chicagoland Car-Free Day Just Around the Corner

Chicago Water Taxi on the South Branch of the ... — Image by vxla via Flickr

Whether taking the pledge, organizing a group ride or setting up a video contest about transit, Chicagoans have it easy, thanks to Active Trans, “Chicagoland‘s voice for better biking, walking, and transit.”

The group provides lots of ways for you and your friends to get involved and be part of “Car Free Day.” On Wednesday, Sept. 22, Active Trans will again partner with RTA, Pace, Metra, CTA and communities around the region for Chicagoland Car-free Day. The event is part of World Car-free Day, a day when people around the world pledge to go sans auto. This event has evolved from a simple ride-to-work event to one that encompasses person-friendly transit in a larger sense.

Whether you were already planning to walk, bike or take public transit on Car-Free Day, or if you just heard about it, you can take the pledge and be eligible to receive special discounts from Active Trans partners, including Active Trans, Argo Tea, Chicago Water Taxi, I-GO Car Sharing, Sports Authority and State Street Pizza Company.

Here is a list of simple ideas for letting go of the steering wheel and getting on board with car-free transportation:

Chicagoland has an extensive transit system. Plan car-free routes with the Regional Transit Authority’s online trip planner. Learn more about Metra, Pace and CTA.
Use Google’s trip planner to select walking route.
Find out more about getting around by bike! Active Transportation Alliance’s online guide shows you how to be safe, how to bike in traffic, how to dress and much more.
Find a bike commuting friend with Pace Ride Share.
Learn the ins and outs of using transit in Chicagoland.
Employees can save as much as 40 percent on transit fares by paying for transit pre-tax through an employer.

Sample a little bit of everything. You can combine biking with transit to extend your trip to get farther faster.

Connect

CarFreeChicago is a local blog highlighting car-free news, activities, events and stories.
Chicagoland Car-Free day is part of a worldwide campaign every Sept. 22.

via Chicagoland Car-Free Day | activetrans.org.