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York to Hold Second Car Free Day
Posted: 27th Sept 2010 | Source: PA Community Newswire
Residents and workers in York are being urged to leave their cars at home one day next week for the city's second car free day.
The event organisers hope residents will respond positively to the Walk it Bike it Bus it message for the day on Wednesday September 29.
Local bus operators are offering limited numbers of free bus tickets on their websites and traders in Micklegate and Fossgate will be hosting street celebrations with hog roasts, street entertainment, stalls and special offers for shoppers.
The event is being organised by City of York Council and York & Ryedale Friends of the Earth, with support from businesses and organisations across York.
Richard Wood, assistant director for City of York Council, said: "York Car Free Day is about encouraging people who would usually drive into the city to try cycling, using buses or walking for the day.
"The idea is to show motorists that there are cheaper, easier, more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives to using the car.
"We recognise that private cars do have a place in modern life, but if people could reduce their car journeys and only use the car when it's absolutely necessary, York would be a cleaner, greener and healthier city.
"And, rather ironically, it would also mean that essential car journeys would be even quicker because of decreased congestion levels."
Jennie Dodson of Friends of the Earth said: "There has been a really positive response from traders and the public.
"This is a chance to celebrate everyone in York who uses sustainable transport every day, and hope people will take part by giving the car a day off and come into town by walking, cycling, skating, canoeing or any other form of green transport."
Friends of the Earth hopes that Walk It Bike It Bus It will help people to rethink their use of the car not just on the day but for the long term.
For more information about the day go to www.york.gov.uk/carfree.
