Celebrate World Car Free Day by Bike

Ever since the first vehicle rolled onto the streets in 1886, the world has had a love-hate relationship with the motor car. Today, with over one billion motor vehicles on the roads around the globe, it sometimes seems as if we cannot escape the pollution, noise and danger that they produce.

One day a year is set aside to try to avoid using cars; using cycling, walking or using public transport instead. Car Free Day aims to take the heat off the planet for just one day by encouraging people to be less dependent on their cars and try other alternatives. Informal car free days took place throughout the 1990s and the first official, global Car Free Day was launched in 2000. Many big cities, like Bogota and Jakarta, close their central roads on this day and fill them with walking and cycling events, and smaller car-free events take place around the world.

You too can participate and make a difference on World Car Free Day this year. Instead of using your car on September 22nd, go by bike.  Consider issuing a challenge in your workplace to see how many you can convince to commute by bike (or public transit). You may have many excuses for why commuting by bike on a regular basis doesn't work for you. However, we believe anyone can give up their car for just one day. Most would find it more difficult to give up their coffee!

If your commute to work is too long to bike the entire way, look into bus options. Many buses these days have a built-in bike rack. You can bike to the nearest bus stop, take the bus for the majority of your commute, and then bike from the stop to work. Get creative and, most importantly, leave that car at home September 22nd.

Need to gear up for the commute? Check out some of our favorite commuter bikes & gear below and stop in for tips and advice from our knowledgeable staff.