Arlington's Car-Free Diet Blog

Former Skeptic Challenges You

Greetings Skeptics Applicants (and skeptical skeptics applicants)!   I'm sitting on the 18th floor of my hotel in New York City.  I can see the Empire State Building from my vantage point.  My wife and I are visiting the Big Apple to celebrate the wedding of two great friends.  I'm super excited to try out the transit system today.  Last night we rolled in on a bus that left right from Rosslyn and dropped us off a block from our hotel.  We put our legs to good use and walked up to Times Square for a late dinner.  

As we braved the chilly temps we strolled back to our hotel but found ourselves outside of the Empire State Building entrance.  "Why not?!" we said!  So super helpful TIP:  go visit this great landmark late at night.  We literally had no line to contend with.  

It's hard to imagine a year has flown by already since I submitted my application for the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge.  I was (here it comes) skeptical that my video would even come together in time to apply.  And even then - I didn't know if I would be one of the two selected skeptics.  It really was (and continues to be) an experience like no other.  Since the challenge began in April last year I've gone from a regular single occupant commuter crawling on 66 each day to a transit/bike wiz.  The transit system feels like second nature to me and I'm a much more confident cyclist.  My wallet seems to be a little more full and my waistline isn't so big anymore. 

So it's the last weekend before those applications are due and I'm challenging you to join me and CarFree Ross to become the next Car-Free Diet Skeptic.  Sign up by Monday, February 28th at carfreedietskeptics.com

I'm off to a wedding brunch in NYC.  Don't be jealous!

 

 

Join the Car-Free Skeptics Challenge by Feb. 28th

 
The (slowly) warming weather means only one thing: We're getting closer to Season II of the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge! Two of Arlington's newest car-free skeptics will go 30 days without their vehicles, getting by on only their wits (as well as Arlington's wealth of alternative transportation options), and telling their story online. The deadline to join the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge is February 28th, and details on applying are at http://www.carfreedietskeptics.com

My fellow car-free skeptic Todd and I were plenty hesitant when we started the challenge last April, both frequently using our cars to commute and get around town.  But 30 days off the roadways showed us we could keep healthy and save time and money by riding our bikes, taking ART and Metro, and walking.  As part of the challenge, many good folks from Arlington County Commuter Services and the community provided us the resources and knowledge to get from point A to point B confidently and car-free.  I can't begin to say how much I prefer a leisurely bike ride to work with a friend over being gestured at on the Beltway.

And while we were hesitant to give up our cars, we're not so skeptical anymore.  We found that not only is hopping on a bus or cruising down a bike lane not difficult, it quickly becomes second nature.  Todd and I continue to regularly take public transportation and bike, both to commute or just to get around town.  So if you're skeptical, take a chance, leave the keys at home, and apply online at http://www.carfreedietskeptics.com by February 28th!

Add Money to Your SmarTrip Card on the ART Bus

Did you know you can add money to your SmarTrip card right on the ART Bus? It's easy! This short instructional video walks you through the process and shows you how to add value to your card using the fare box at the front of the bus. The video is also in Spanish.

Follow ART on Twitter and Facebook to learn other Car-free tips and receive updates and information about bus service.