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THE BLUEPRINT:
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Car Free Day LI encourages alternatives to driving on Sept. 22
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Long Islanders urged to walk, bike, or take transit
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Local leaders join sustainability push
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Efforts support cleaner air, safer streets and more
Car Free Day LI is Monday, and advocates hope people in Nassau and Suffolk counties will drive less, and rely instead on mass transit, bicycling, walking, vanpooling and working from home.
More than 2.8 million people live in Nassau and Suffolk, and if community members replaced one car trip on Monday alone, the results would be felt right away, according to Transit Solutions, a federally funded Metropolitan Transportation Authority program.
“For twenty years, Transit Solutions has shown what’s possible when Long Island works together,” Mindy Germain, Car Free Day LI co-chair, said in a news release about the program.
“Every rider, every partner and every small behavior change adds up to cleaner air, safer streets and stronger communities,” she said. “Today, we’re inviting every Long Islander to make one simple swap – and be part of the next 20 years of progress.”
Going car-free for a day on Long Island can be challenging, but Transit Solutions highlights several initiatives aimed at making it easier, helping to reduce the region’s carbon footprint and air pollution while also improving overall transportation options.
This includes transit investments by the Long Island Rail Road, NICE Bus and Suffolk County Transit, all aimed at helping people reach jobs, schools, medical appointments, run errands, and more.
College campuses, including Farmingdale State College and Adelphi University, aim to reduce car dependency and educate students about sustainable transportation through Transit Solutions’ Transit Ambassador Program. There is also a youth ambassador program for younger Long Islanders.
Northwell Health is working with Transit Solutions to achieve the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 through pre-tax transit benefits and bike co-op initiatives.
The City of Glen Cove is working with Transit Solutions to make walkability, accessibility and age-friendly mobility a priority.
Additional supporters include Vision Long Island and Friends of LI Greenway, which promote trails, biking and walkable main streets. And ICF Statewide Mobility Program is advancing new approaches that include its Bike Borrow program.
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Adina Genn
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