Car Free Day is right around the corner, and people all around the world are preparing to ditch their keys on September 22. Today, an estimated 1.4 billion cars travel the roads throughout the world, and even though our vehicles offer a convenient way to get around, they also contribute a dangerous amount of pollution to the planet. Having a day off from driving is highly recommended to raise awareness about these concerns and to help reduce auto emissions.
While Car Free Day may be celebrated a number of different ways, the common goal is to take cars off area roads – benefiting the region with a day of less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced energy use – with the hope inspiring lasting change beyond a single day. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources available to help St. Louis area residents leave the car keys at home and explore some alternatives to the solo commute so they can continue to take voluntary steps that can improve the quality of air we breathe year-round:
- Take Transit – Public transit systems in the St. Louis region are designed to help eliminate the use of multiple vehicles on the road and offer great alternatives for the work commute or an option to hopping in your car for short trips. Serving St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Clair County, Ill., Metro Transit allows riders to walk to a nearby stop, or park and take a train or bus, or a combination of the two, to get where they’re going – safely, comfortably and conveniently. Those who live in Madison County, Illinois will find Madison County Transit to be a great alternative.
- Ridesharing – With transportation-related emissions being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, RideFinders offers a path to reduce those emissions by providing a free carpool and vanpool ride matching service for commuters to help improve the overall quality of the air. Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft match drivers of private vehicles to those seeking transportation and are another great option to eliminate the use of multiple vehicles. Via Metro STL also allows passengers heading in the same direction to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphones using the Via app to get around parts of West, South, and North St. Louis County.
- Walk or Bike – For individuals who live close to work, choosing to walk or bike instead of idling in rush hour traffic helps take cars off area roads and reduces the amount of ozone-forming emissions generated. Walking and biking can also serve as eco-friendly alternatives to run errands and get around town when weather conditions are favorable to help keep air quality in healthy ranges. Walking and biking can also be easily paired with public transit.
- Telecommute – According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 14% of all employed adults in the U.S. work from home all the time. For those that can work from home, continuing to telecommute full-time or at least occasionally is encouraged to help reduce harmful auto emissions that contribute to ozone formation.
Drop the keys and pledge to be car-free on September 22 to do your share for cleaner air. For a host of additional tips on how to achieve cleaner air all year long, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, @gatewaycleanair.
