Car Free Day on Tuesday 22 September - In Devon
Date: 22 September 2009
Location: All regions
Contact: Lesley Smith
The day, which is organised as part of Devon County Council’s TravelWise campaign and supports the ’International In Town Without My Car Day’, attracted record support last year with more organisations and businesses than ever before taking part.
The County Council’s aim is to see even more employers and schools across Devon encouraging an environmentally sustainable way of travelling on Car Free Day, rather than making journeys by car.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, has pledged his backing by planning to leave his car at home for the day. He said: "The annual Devon Car Free Day is a fun way of encouraging people to think about how they travel. It may just be for one day, but there is also a serious message in getting everyone to think longer term about positive changes we can all make.
“Finding an alternative to the car can reduce congestion, improve health and the environment, and it’s an easy way of saving money. Walking, cycling or using public transport can help everyone reduce our carbon footprint, and I’m planning to take the bus from Sidmouth to Exeter and back.”
Lesley Smith, Devon County Council’s TravelWise Officer, said: “In previous years people have been very innovative in their travel choices, using kayaks, space-hoppers, wheelie bins, hobby horses and real horses, tandems, wheel barrows, skateboards, roller blades, and swimming, or a combination of these! Others have tried walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing and, on finding it a viable alternative, have continued to do so more often. With one in four car journeys less than two miles in length it is possible to see how habits can easily be changed and the car swapped for two feet or a bike for these short journeys.”
People are invited to email travelwise@devon.gov.uk with details of their intended travel choices and a selection will appear on the www.devon.gov.uk/devoncarfreeday website, although no prizes are offered to individuals taking part.
Every organisation which encourages and supports its staff to take part in Devon Car Free Day will be entered into a draw for a prize of £1,000 to be spent on green travel initiatives for staff such as cycle storage, pool bikes, or bus vouchers.
More Information: lesley.c.smith@devon.gov.uk
