Citizens encouraged to “feel good about getting there”

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 16, 2015) – Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola will issue a challenge to citizens to put the brakes on driving their cars from Oct. 18 – 24 by using alternative means of transportation and to share their experience on social media with the hashtag #CarfreeLR for a chance to win prizes. 

Now in its 5^th year, the Mayor’s Annual Car-Free Challenge is meant to raise awareness about the health and environmental benefits of going car-free and showcase the different transportation options available to residents that can benefit the community.

The challenge officially kicks off at the River Market Pavilions during Biketoberfest, which will feature bicycle-related activities from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18. Prizes will be given away at the event.

"The car-free challenge is vitally important to our community because of the health benefits and the positive environmental impact, both of which help to improve the quality of life for residents,” Stodola said. “By walking, using public transportation, or my favorite activity, biking, we can lead by example on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and strive toward a healthy environment.”

Public transit systems help reduce the number of cars on the road. Rock Region METRO, which recently introduced free WiFi on all of its express and fixed-route buses, serves 3 million passengers annually. Compressed Natural Gas buses like the 15 new ones in the Rock Region METRO fleet help reduce emissions by more than 60 percent.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaving a car at home two days a week can reduce carbon emissions by two tons a year.

Residents can ride the bus, carpool, bike, walk, or any combination of those activities during the challenge week. Done long-term, biking and walking offer numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, a decrease in the risk of heart disease, and increased metabolism.

To promote participation, challenge participants will be eligible for daily prizes and a final grand prize. Prizes will be drawn daily among those who post a selfie on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #CarFreeLR.

The grand prize will be lunch with the mayor at The Capital Hotel’s One Eleven restaurant.

To follow the City of Little Rock on social media go to:

Facebook.com/CityLittleRock
Twitter: @CityLittleRock
Instagram: @CityLittleRock

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