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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Encourages Seattle Drivers to Cut Car Trips
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
5/21/2008 12:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 684-8358
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Mayor Encourages Seattle Drivers to Cut Car Trips
Announces public campaign to “Give Your Car the Summer Off”
SEATTLE –Mayor Greg Nickels today announced a public campaign encouraging residents to drive their cars 1,000 miles less a year and combat global warming by walking, biking, car pooling and taking transit.
“Give Your Car the Summer Off” enlists the support of the Seattle Art Museum, Woodland Park Zoo, Seattle Aquarium, local businesses and others to offer discounts for people who pledge not to drive alone. People giving up their cars for a month or a year will also receive special incentives.
“Seattleites are aware of the perils of climate pollution, and they want to do their part,” said Nickels. “While lots of people bike and bus to work, we also want to encourage folks to use carbon-friendly alternatives throughout the week and in their neighborhoods. No matter how you go, we’re offering a number of programs to make it easy and rewarding to give your car the summer off.”
Transportation accounts for nearly half of the greenhouse gas emissions in Seattle. To make a significant difference in the city’s carbon footprint, residents are encouraged to reduce their personal driving by 1,000 miles annually – about 20 miles a week. One thousand fewer miles saves 1,000 pounds of climate pollution, and helps us meet our climate protection goals.
“Give Your Car the Summer Off” is part of Nickels’ Seattle Climate Action Now program, which encourages residents to make reductions in their own personal climate pollution along with the city’s efforts.
“Woodland Park Zoo is thrilled to be working with the city of Seattle and Seattle Climate Action Now to promote alternative modes of transportation to the zoo and other regional destinations,” said Dr. Deborah Jensen, Woodland Park Zoo president and chief executive. “Taking the bus or riding a bike can be a fun and resource-saving way to get to the zoo this summer.”
While driving less has a number of inherent benefits – it’s cheaper, promotes health, and it’s good for our climate – “Give Your Car the Summer Off” will provide even more incentives to those who choose to leave their cars at the curb. The Web site www.seattlecan.org hosts information and a pledge form to print and use to receive discounts.
Program components include:
- Recreational Destination Incentives. Many of the city’s premier businesses and attractions, such as Woodland Park Zoo and Seattle Art Museum, will be offering discounts to people who don’t drive. By pledging to take transit, car pool, walk or bike to one of the city’s business districts or community attractions, visitors will receive discounts or reduced admissions. More businesses will be added all summer.
- Give your car time off. Cut a couple car trips a week, commute differently, give up your car for a month, or sell it for good – the city’s “Way to Go” program offers incentives to those who do any of these. Eligible participants can be entered for prize drawings or receive up to $400 in incentives.
- Summer Events. Many of the city’s summer events, such as Bumbershoot, are encouraging people to use transit, bike, walk, and car pool. So everywhere people look, they’ll be reminded about making a different transportation choice. Participating events will also feature a one-stop-shop for resources such as Metro Trip Planner, Rideshare Online, and bicycle maps.
- Climate Action Now “In-a-Box.” This kit contains everything one needs to host a car-free summer party with friends and inspire on-the-spot action. Try setting up a walking school bus, an anti-idling campaign, a neighborhood car pool, or a public transit amazing race.
- Car Free Days: Some city streets will be open to bikes and pedestrians similar to Bicycle Saturdays and Sundays along Lake Washington Boulevard.
To launch “Give Your Car the Summer Off,” Nickels unveiled new billboards which feature 200 people and various transportation options. Recognizing the importance of fighting global warming, Clear Channel Outdoor donated nine billboards throughout the city to promote driving less.
All programs can be accessed by visiting www.seattlecan.org and signing up.
Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s inside view on efforts to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm
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Office of the Mayor
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