Fredericton Car-free day Sept. 22

Can you live without your car for one day of the year?

That's the test for Frederictonians on Sept. 22, which is World Carfree Day. The annual celebration is a project of the World Carfree Network founded in 1997 to promote alternatives to car dependence.

Fredericton Transit, Green Matters and the Regent Mall are partnering to promote the event by setting up information displays at the mall Sept. 22. Transit schedules and trail maps will be available. Active commuting prizes will be awarded courtesy of Regent Mall partners.

"City council has made a commitment to sustainability by encouraging alternative forms of transportation," said Mayor Brad Woodside. "Recognizing events like car-free day helps to raise awareness about the benefits of using non-vehicular transportation."

"With the Princess Margaret Bridge closed into October, continuing to choose alternative forms of transportation helps ease traffic congestion and reduces fuel consumption and emissions. I encourage residents to try different commuting options when getting back to their regular routines," said Coun. Eric Megarity, chairman of the city's public safety and environment committee.

Fredericton-area residents are committed to their vehicles, said Alycia Morehouse, climate change co-ordinator for the city. She said the most recent Canada census data available from 2006 found that in the capital area, 78 per cent of people employed and travelling to and from their jobs are traditional car users, five per cent rely on public transit and 13 per cent bike or walk to work.

To learn more about World Carfree Network, visit its website at www.worldcarfree.net.

The above article came from The Daily Gleaner.