Tampa to Celebrate its Second Annual World Car-Free Day on September 22, 2024
Joining more than 2,000 cities in 46 countries, Tampa will celebrate its second consecutive World Car-Free Day on Sunday, September 22, with Activation Zones in three neighborhoods connected by a recommended bike-friendly route that showcases some of Tampa’s best bicycling infrastructure.
Participants are invited to arrive by walking, cycling, scooting or taking transit — or come by car and rent a ride to experience Tampa in a different way.
A 6-mile car-free and car-light route will be marked with signs to connect people walking, riding and rolling to family-friendly activities at Midtown, Downtown’s Encore, and HCC in Ybor City.
“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, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization founded in 2015 that advocates for safe streets throughout the city. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to offer an even bigger and better event this year.”
World Car-Free Day is celebrated world-wide on September 22 to promote investment in active transportation such as transit, bicycle and walking infrastructure, and to encourage development of communities where jobs, shopping and services are within walking distance. Tampa marked World Car-Free Day last year for the first time.
Other planned events this year include:
- The city’s first Kidical Mass, a kids ride.
- Group rides from meet-up spots at Buddy Brew Coffee in Hyde Park Village, Woodland Terrace Park in East Tampa and Spaddy’s Coffee Co. in Seminole Heights.
Other events include:
- Drawings for prizes, including bikes, e-bikes, Lowry Park Zoo passes and more
- Food trucks
- Live music and karaoke
- Bike decorating
- Urban markets
- And more!
Events will begin at 9:00am and end at 2:00pm
Partners in Tampa’s World Car-Free Day include Tampa Downtown Partnership, Westshore Alliance, Tampa General Hospital, Pedal Power Promoters, Sidewalk Stompers and the City of Tampa.
For more information, event updates, becoming a sponsor, vendor, volunteer or just joining the fun, go to walkbiketampa.org or send an email to WalkBikeTampa@gmail.com