What is the No-Car Challenge?
The goal of No Car, Low Car, and Whoa! Car Challenge (NCLCWC) is to get folks out of their cars completely, mostly, or pretty darn much for one month. Participants will learn that, with a little planning and a healthy sense of adventure, it IS possible to be car-free in America.
There are four levels of participation to fit everyone's needs and abilities.
- No Car
- The No Car Level is for the hardcore. No cars means no cars. These folks can not ride in or drive any car for the entire month of September. No private motorized transportation (taxis, limousines) of any kind are allowed. Public transportation (busses, trains, airplanes) are acceptable.
- Low Car
- The Low Car Level is for the folks who have already made some plans for September. They get one weekend when they can use a car. They can go out of town or just use a car for special circumstances.
- Whoa! Car
- This level is for folks who are toying with the idea of going car-free, but can't fathom a whole month without a car. They can drive in a car one day each week. They can use that day for grocery shopping, running their errands, keeping appointments, etc.
- Business Traveler
- If you work out of town or must drive/travel for your work, that is accepted, but all non-work related travel must be car-free
Who can partipate?
Anyone of any age can participate. All participants receive NCLCWC Participant Perks cards which are good for freebies and discounts at our local business sponsor and are eligible to win prizes in NCLCWC contests:
- Best Blog Contest
- Best Photograph/Video Contest
- Longest Daily Commute (Biking and Walking)
EVERYONE is invited to participate in Cyclist Salute Contest, Flat Branch Movie Ride, and Cycle Chic Sundays Ride (see below).
What can I do to start preparing now?
The challenge kicks off on September 1st. Until then:
- Sign up to take a Confident City Cycling or Bike Skills 101 class.
- Get your bike tuned up.
- Start walking and or cycling to run errands or visit friends.
- Explore alternate routes to places you go most frequently.
- Check out Columbia's city bus services.
NCLCWC Event Calendar
August 1-27, 2010 – Cyclist Salute contest begins.
The idea for the Cyclist Salute was sent in by Tim Gilbreth. Noticing motorcyclists saluting each other with hand signals; Tim wondered why bicyclists don’t have a hand signal of their own. Hence, the Cyclist Salute contest was born. Send us your hand signal and its’ meaning by Aug 27. You could win a treasure trove of fabulous prizes and be the proud originator of the next big thing in cycling.
September 10, 2010: 6-10PM – Walk-in/Bike-in Movie.
Meet at 6pm at Flat Branch Gazebo for a leisurely, guided walk or ride around downtown and surrounding neighborhoods before enjoying Cars, Flat Branch Cinema’s last movie of the Summer. Enjoy the experience of Columbia’s best, and only, bike-in/walk-in movie. This promises to be a fun evening for kids and kids at heart. Movie cost is $1 for adults, kids 12 and under are free. Concessions are available.
September 26, 2010: 4-6PM – Cycle Chic Sunday Ride
Style before speed. Celebrate the simple pleasures of cycling on Cycle Chic Sunday. The ride will begin and end at the Flat Branch Park Gazebo. This will be an easy, leisurely paced ride. Participants are encouraged to dress up themselves and their bikes, illustrating that cycling can be fun, stylish and accessible to all. The ride will focus on the downtown and historic areas of Columbia. A brief reception with light refreshments will take place at Flat Branch Park upon conclusion of the ride.
For inspiration and to learn more about Cycle Chic, check out: Cyclechicsundays.com and Copenhagencyclechic.com
This rocks! How do I sign up?
Contact us for more information!
