'Car-Free Day' Coming To Bethesda On Sept. 22 With Special Giveaways

BETHESDA, MD — Montgomery County is encouraging residents to stay away from their vehicles on Thursday in celebration of the “Car-Free Day,” a day when the county will have special giveaways at Metrorail stations and other sites in the Bethesda area.

“Car-Free Day” is an annual event that encourages traveling in ways that are more environmentally and climate-friendly than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, riding a bus, in a carpool or teleworking.

On Thursday morning, Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Commuter Services team will have giveaways and free pledge cards that can be filled out to enter a raffle drawing for gift cards, a Capital Bikeshare annual membership or a $200 SmarTrip card.

From 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., the Commuter Services team will be at the Metro Bus bays at the Bethesda Metro Center. The team also will be at Friendship Heights at Wisconsin Place from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday.

At the North Bethesda Metro Station, the team will be handing out giveaways from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

“Walking, biking and using public transportation are more sustainable ways to get around as compared to using a car,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said in a statement. “Fewer cars on the road reduce greenhouse gases and traffic congestion. Car-Free Day is a great reminder that we should all try to use other forms of transportation as much as possible.”

Residents are invited to take a national pledge to participate in Car-Free Day on Thursday. Each entry will be entered into a raffle for great prizes.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to give public transit a try and make a positive impact on the environment,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. Transportation is responsible for 40 percent of Montgomery County’s greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

Anyone who takes the “Car-Free Pledge” on the Commuter Connections website will receive an email with free offers including a $30 Nift gift card (neighborhood gift) promo code and a Capital Bikeshare 24-hour pass for unlimited 45-minute rides.

Ride On bus schedules and trip planning can be accessed from the MCDOT website.

Residents who do not own a bike can use the Capitol Bikeshare system. Single trip, daily and yearly memberships are available. The first 45 minutes of each trip is free on a classic pedal bike. Visit the Bikeshare location map to see where to find a bicycle.