York University community members celebrated National Car Free Day on Monday, Sept. 22 with a Bike to School Lunch. More than 100 cyclists, carpoolers and transit riders from the York University community joined Smart Commute-North Toronto, Vaughan and York University's Transportation Services to celebrate their commitment to going car-free.
Left: More than 100 cyclists, carpoolers and transit riders turned out for National Car Free Day
Volunteer bike mechanics from York provided bike tune-ups while cyclists enjoyed lunch in the sun, with catering courtesy of Aramark Canada. Cyclists were able to meet representatives from the City of Toronto Cycling Team and register their bikes with Toronto Police Crime Stoppers. The York cycling community was out in full force, telling stories, sharing their favourite cycling routes and discussing maintenance techniques. Following lunch, cyclists joined City of Toronto cycling staff at the opening of the new Pond Road cycling lane.
The winner of the Smart Commute-North Toronto, Vaughan Car Free Day Prize Draw was Karen Wash, manager of client services for York's Computing & Network Services. Wash won a set of two Codura bike panniers. “As someone who is trying to turn my carbon footprint into a bike tire track, the Car Free Day event was a rewarding experience,” said Wash. “I registered my bike with the police, 
received very helpful advice from Andrea who was doing tune-ups, picked up a City of Toronto bike route map and met some fellow bike commuters.”
Right: Karen Wash, winner of the Smart Commute-North Toronto, Vaughan Car Free Prize Draw
“All those who actively pledged to go car free on Sept. 22 showed their commitment to improving air quality and fighting climate change,” said Brian Shifman, executive director of Smart Commute-North Toronto, Vaughan. "Each participant reduced their weekly transportation greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent and at the same time enjoyed a fun and healthy activity."
For more information on how you can go car-free and reduce your impact on climate change, contact Smart Commute-North Toronto, Vaughan info@smartcommutentv.ca or call ext. 22547.