What is World Car-Free Day?

Every year on September 22nd, cities across the world celebrate World Car-Free Day, an opportunity for regular motorists to keep their cars in the garage and to get outside on foot or by bike to connect with their neighbors and their communities. 

The event highlights the myriad benefits of leaving the car at home and underscores how much safer and welcoming our streets could be if we reduce our dependence on climate-destroying, air-bespoiling, pedestrian-killing automobiles — especially here in Southern California, with its debilitating addiction to “car culture.”

What Are The Benefits?

Studies have shown that when cities make an effort to go car-free — often by restricting private car use in city centers — they see significant reductions in traffic-related air pollution, noise and temperature. For example, cities have reported a 40% reduction in NO2 levels on car-free days.

Events like last weekend’s CicLAmini in Lincoln Heights show what’s possible when cities close down their streets to cars: neighbors are able to take a day to slow down and, freed from the sounds of car horns and the plumes of exhaust smoke, connect at street level.

Metro Bike is helping Angelenos celebrate World Car-Free Day by offering its 365-Day Pass for 50% off, on Sunday, Sept. 22 only, with the promo code BIKECARFREE24. Learn more about the 365-Day Pass and Metro’s other offerings here.

Car-Free Events this Weekend!

Looking for opportunities to celebrate World Car-Free Day?

There are ample bike and pedestrian-friendly events across Southern California this weekend. 

Saturday, Sept. 21

Bike the River and Hike the Mountains

Kick off World Car-Free Day a day early with ActiveSGV’s Bike the River and Hike the Mountains series. Friday night’s ride is a scenic 14-mile route along the San Gabriel River Trail. The ride leaves at 7 pm from Monrovia Station Square Park (where the ride will also finish). Riders will need their own lights, in addition to their bike and helmet. RSVP for this free event.

Clean Ride Crew

Join the Mar Vista Community Council and Streets Are For Everyone at 9:30 am for their monthly Clean Ride Crew, where volunteers will clean up the bike lanes on Venice Blvd, starting from Alana’s Coffee Roasters. Afterwards, stick around and connect with fellow volunteers at the Meet-Up, starting at 12:30 pm.

Sunday, Sept. 22

East side Mural Ride

People for Mobility Justice, with support from the California Office of Traffic and Safety, is hosting an East LA Mural Ride, which begins at 8:30 am from the East Los Angeles Civic Center and winds through the streets of East LA, “Showcasing amazing artwork that tells the stories of our community.” The bike ride is roughly four miles long. Check out the details and RSVP.

Sad Velo cycling club

Sad Velo Cycling Club, which meets at 9 am and rolls at 9:30 am from Scribble in Highland Park, “exists to keep the conversation around mental health moving forward while promoting an active lifestyle and community built around a love of cycling.” Their rides are party pace and no-drop.

Homeboy 5k

If you’re feeling especially ambitious, Saturday also offers the opportunity to run not one but TWO 5ks. Saturday morning, join Homeboy Industries for their 15th annual 5k run/walk, which runs through historic downtown LA. And after you’ve recovered from your morning 5k, you’ll have plenty of time to head to Valencia for the 10th annual Be the Light 5k, a night-time run/walk through Santa Clarita.

Sign up to Volunteer at Streets Are For Everyone Activities This Weekend

Or you can make an impact by volunteering with Streets Are For Everyone to spread the word about their annual Finish The Ride and Run event in Santa Clarita, a powerful initiative raising awareness about the urgent need for safer roads for all. We’d love your help distributing flyers at the Homeboy Industries 5K in the morning or the Be The Light 5K in the evening. 

Whatever you do this Sunday, big or small, casual or organized, try to do it car-free! Enjoy World Car-Free Day this Sunday; hope to see you out on the streets!