TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa is asking neighbors to be "car-free" as it's celebrating "World Car-Free Day" on Sunday.
The day is celebrated on Sept. 22 to promote active transportation such as biking or walking, and to encourage development of communities where jobs, shopping and services are within walking distance.
City leaders are designating three neighborhoods connected by a recommended bike-friendly route as "activation zones," those being Midtown, Downtown's Encore and HCC in Ybor City.
Participants are invited to arrive by walking, cycling, scooting or taking transit — or come by car and rent a ride along a 6-mile car-free and car-light route.
During the event, Tampa is unveiling its first Kidical Mass, a ride for kids.
Group rides are also being offered at Buddy Brew Coffee in Hyde Park Village, Woodland Terrace Park in East Tampa and Spaddy’s Coffee Co. in Seminole Heights.
The event also features drawings for prizes, food trucks, live music, karaoke, bike decorating and urban markets.
Tampa's World Car Free Day runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
This is the second year in a row Tampa is celebrating World Car-Free Day, joining over 2,000 cities in 26 countries for the occasion.
“Last year was such a great success. We had great turnout and raised money for safety improvements,” said Christian Leon, president of Walk Bike Tampa, in a statement. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to offer an even bigger and better event this year.”
