MoCo Residents Can Join ‘Car-Free Day' On Sept. 22

GERMANTOWN, MD — “Car-Free Day” is an annual event that encourages traveling in ways that are greener than driving alone, such as walking, riding a bicycle, riding a bus, in a carpool or teleworking. Montgomery County residents are encouraged to stay away from their vehicles in support of this year’s event on Thursday, Sept. 22.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Commuter Services team will lend support at seven locations across the county. The teams will have free giveaways and 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.

On Sept. 22, the MCDOT teams will be at:

• Bethesda at the Metro Bus Bays. 7-9 a.m.
• Friendship Heights at Wisconsin Place. 6:30-9 a.m.
• Germantown Transit Center. 6:30-9 a.m.
• North Bethesda Metro Station. 6:30-9 a.m.
• Shady Grove Metro Station. 6:30-9 a.m.
• Silver Spring Metro Station. 6:30-9 a.m.
• White Oak – Lockwood Drive and New Hampshire Avenue Transit Center. 7-9 a.m.

“Walking, biking and using public transportation are more sustainable ways to get around as compared to using a car,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release. “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 can take a national pledge to participate in Car-Free Day. Each entry will be entered into a raffle for some great prizes. Duplicate entries will be disqualified. Participants can take the pledge here.

“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. Using public transportation is one of the most effective actions an individual can take to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also a very affordable option with the reduction in Ride On bus fare to $1 for a one-way fare.”

Anyone who takes the 'Car-Free Pledge' on the Commuter Connections website at https://www.carfreemetrodc.org/ will receive an email with free offers including:

• A Nift gift card (neighborhood gift) promo code.
• A Capital Bikeshare 24-hour pass for unlimited 45-minute rides.###a>

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

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 45 minutes of each trip is free on a classic pedal bike. Visit the Bikeshare location map here.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.