Yesterday’s metro DC Car Free Day far surpassed last year’s participation rate with a record-breaking 12000 pledges! That in and of itself is a great accomplishment but combined with Bike to Work Day earlier this year which also broke its previous record with over 11000 participants demonstrates ever-increasing interest among Washington area residents in alternatives to driving.

In addition to being a great way to celebrate Capital Bikeshare’s first birthday events like Car Free Day (and Bike to Work Day) have an impact beyond just the day of the event. Data shows that once people try out alternative commute options many of them start doing so more often with some even making it their primary mode of commuting!

Congrats to Commuter Connections for organizing this year’s record-breaking event. If the percentages from similar events hold up yesterday’s Car Free Day will have created over 1200 new non-auto commuters in metro Washington. That’s something to celebrate!