The Active Transportation Alliance, an advocacy group for biking, walking and mass transit, has declared Wednesday, Sept. 22, as the second annual Chicagoland Car-free Day and is asking people to pledge to keep the 'ol Lexus leashed and get around by foot, cycle or transit.
The event is part of World Car-free Day and the alliance has partnered with Metra, Pace, the RTA and CTA You can make a pledge by clicking here. People who pledge can enjoy special offers and discounts for Active Trans membership, Argo Tea, I-Go Car Sharing, Sports Authority and State Street Pizza Company.
The alliance Web site has a list of tips to help people plan a day without using a car. FInd them by clicking here. It's new director, Ron Burke, said in a press release that the day can be a jumping off point to stay car-free all year 'round. I'm not sure that is very realistic for most folks in the suburbs, but cutting down on car use is a start.
Eshewing the automobile for one day may open the eyes of people who never thought it possible to go car-free, even for a short time.
It's almost been a decade since this awful day took place. Many innocent lives were lost, people lost their friends and family. People, remember all of the brave men and women who helped in the enormous rescue attempt, I salute each and every one of you. There were over 2000 innocent people who died that day, that still gives me the chills thinking about it. Men and women died, to save the lives of others. Over 300 firefighters, dead. Remember the memories. Cherish the day. It brought us together and made us closer than ever as a nation.