Commuter Connections is teaming up with the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association to encourage commuters across the D.C. region to take the pledge to go car free or car-lite on Saturday, September 21; Sunday, September 22; and/or Monday, September 23, 2019, to celebrate Car Free Days. Car Free Day, extended to three days this year, is an annual event that encourages more environmentally- and health-friendly ways of traveling to work, school, errands, etc.
Each person who takes the free online pledge will receive $30 in credit for the Nift Gift app to spend at local merchants. Participants will also be entered into a raffle for other great prizes, including a Samsung Galaxy tablet, gift cards from Giant Food stores, tickets to local attractions like George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the International Spy Museum, and more. The generosity of local businesses and organizations that support cleaner air in the region made these prizes possible.
“Commuter Connections applauds the American Lung Association and the American Heart Association for helping promote healthy and environmentally-conscious commuter choices,” said Nicholas Ramfos, Commuter Connections Director. “Workers, residents, parents, and students have the opportunity to participate in Car Free Day by carpooling, taking transit, bicycling, walking, and even teleworking.”
“Going car free or car-lite is one important step to help clean the air in our region. We at the American Lung Association are excited to join forces with Commuter Connections to spread the word about Car Free Day,” said Aleks Casper, American Lung Association Advocacy Director. “Both of our organizations support reducing pollution and making sure that the air we breathe is clean and healthy.”
“Being physically active is an important step to reduce heart disease. By choosing to walk or bike on your commute, you can achieve the American Heart Association’s exercise recommendation of 2.5 hours per week to live a heart-healthy lifestyle,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the Greater Washington Region American Heart Association. “We are thrilled to work with Commuter Connections to help people in our community live long, healthy lives.”
Car Free Days is also an excellent opportunity to sign up for incenTrip, Commuter Connections’ new mobile app that rewards commuters with cash for using transportation alternatives to driving alone. The app recommends the best travel mode, departure time, and route, after factoring in real-time traffic data and personal preferences to save users time, money, and fuel.
MORE: Visit carfreemetrodc.org to learn more and take the Car Free Day pledge. Share your participation on Facebook and Twitter by following @CarFreeMetroDC and using #CarFreeDay.