Greg Hanscom reports at Grist:
Happy Car-Free Week America! What? You hadn’t heard? Well, maybe that’s because Car-Free Week is
one of those things that the rest of the world celebrates — but us? Not
so much. That is, unless you live in Massachusetts, the only state that
challenges its residents to spurn the automobile for seven days each
year.
It seems to me California ought to be the second state to promote this noble goal. But even as a devotee of carfree living, I think seven days without a vehicle would make many currently car-dependent people weak.
I'm OK with people aiming for the very realistic goal of ... well, whatever they can do. If you can take transit to work once or twice a week, go for it. If you can do a few more errands on foot or by bike, you ought to (and you will be more healthy). If you can walk your kids to school, you'll enjoy quality time and set a great example.
If -- or when -- you are ready to go all-in and live without owning a car, many of us are showing it is possible. But baby steps are good, and this is a good week to take some.
