by Christine Hall
September 22, 2008

Washington, D.C., September 22, 2008—Today is “World Car-Free Day”, the annual day dedicated to the notion of life without the automobile.  In fact, eliminating or drastically reducing automobile use would dramatically impact the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of Americans who rely on cars for transportation.

In response to this misguided effort by anti-car advocates, the Competitive Enterprise Institute is sponsoring a YouTube contest, seeking video critiques of Car-Free Day. The winner will receive a $100 gas card, courtesy of CEI.

“Many people may love a car-free lifestyle, but for most people it would be pure misery.  The handicapped, the elderly, parents carrying kids and groceries, suburban residents getting to work, rural residents running their lives – all depend on cars,” said Sam Kazman, General Counsel at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.  “The car-free lifestyle itself requires other motorized vehicles, which deliver everything from organic flour to the ingredients for lattes.”

People can freely choose not to use cars, of course, but those contemplating a Car-Free Day should acknowledge its implications.  For a realistic day of car-free living, try it: 

• When it's raining
• When you’re carrying several bags of groceries
• When you’re carrying a baby, with a toddler alongside you
• On crutches
• After midnight
• Without using a car or cab to get to the train or bus station
• Any combination of the above

CEI is a non-profit, non-partisan public policy group dedicated to the principles of free enterprise and limited government.  For more information about CEI, please visit our website at www.cei.org.