Thursday, September 18, 2008

Car Free Decatur Day - Wed., Sept. 24th


WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 24th is CAR FREE DECATUR DAY!

Join us at the 12 pm, Wed., Sept. 24th Blue Sky Concert on the Square, brought to you by Decatur Business Association and SunTrust Bank. Co-sponsors: Little Shop of Stories, The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, Lotus of Life Chiropractic. Enjoy music from the Buddy O'Reilly Band. Learn about commuting options from the Clean Air Campaign. Learn about the Safe Routes to School program sponsored by Decatur Active Living, and about our various programs and other events.

Please consider walking or biking to the concert!

The first Car Free Day in Decatur was held Wednesday, September 22, 2004. The Mayor proclaimed it Car Free Day and invited the community to join him at the Community Bandstand during the Blue Sky Concert for the celebration. Folks were encouraged to make a commitment to reduce their automobile use that day – including riding a bike to work, walking to the store, walking to the Blue Sky Concert, sharing a ride with friends, neighbors or co-workers, and/or riding the bus or MARTA train. Car-Free Day aims to reduce excessive automobile use for one day out of the year, and to remind the community that the automobile is not the only or the best way to make many kinds of trips.

The event expanded in 2005 to include exhibits and information from the Clean Air Campaign, Safe Routes to School, the PATH Foundation, and other organizations that offer options other than driving.

The Active Living Division is developing programs to encourage citizens and downtown employees to lead more active lifestyles. The effort involves more than developing traditional recreational programs and athletic team opportunities. The Active Living Division is working across departmental lines to improve opportunities for walking and cycling and develop programs for a broader range of age groups in the city.

The City is establishing an Active Living Advisory Board to develop program ideas and help implement a year-long fitness challenge to get the community more active. If you are interested in volunteering for this advisory board or would like to help with fitness activities, please contact Dan Magee, 678-553-6541 or dan.magee@decaturga.com.

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