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| Updated: 10/31/2011 4:02 am |
Published: 10/30/2011 5:40 pm |
LITTLE ROCK, AR -- A different set of wheels are about to spin in Mayor Mark Stodola's Car-Free challenge. After listening to friends in the cycling community, Stodola decided to encourage Little Rock citizens to find alternative methods to get around.
Sunday during a learning fair, the Mayor detailed the program.
"It doesn't mean that you have to walk everywhere. But walking, biking, riding, taking the bus, and hitching a ride with somebody counts too," said Stodola.
The Mayor says participants can put together a combination of options. For instance, one could ride their bike to the bus stop and then catch a bus on Central Arkansas Transit. Through newspaper ads, bus drivers encourage people to give public transit a try and planners say the Mayor's challenge would be a good time to change your commute.
"It makes economic sense. It's good for the environment and Gosh we all love bikes. Come on," said commuter Ron King.
"This is meant to be fun. This is not meant to be punishing or anything like that. If people have to use their car, then they will. But it makes us more conscience about it," said Stodola.
Longtime bike commuters say the challenge may be intimidating, but participants have to plan accordingly.
"I make sure that I have lights. I wear bright clothes. It's all about visibility and you follow the same rules as a car. Give turn signals. All that good stuff," said commuter Bill Fitzgerald.
The challenge begins November 5.
