+(800x662).jpg)
A Different Approach to Traffic
We spend hours each week fighting
traffic during our morning and evening commutes. Yet on the weekends, many parts of the Valley
are so congested that any relaxation we are attempting gets lost as we spend
our precious free time behind the wheel creating noxious fumes and dangerous
emissions. At the same time, studies
show that young adults are less interested in driving and want to live close to
public transportation.
A group of Studio City and Sherman
Oaks residents is taking a step to stop this madness and make our communities
attractive to the next generation. We
are organizing Car Free Sunday Studio City/Sherman Oaks on September 22, 2013,
which coincides with International Car Free Day (which is celebrated in 1,400
cities around the globe). On Car Free
Sunday, we are asking our communities to drive less or not at all to reduce
congestion and create a greener environment.
Although a
day without your car may seem scary, it is actually quite liberating. The view from behind your dashboard is quite
different than the scenery you’ll take in on foot or on a bike. And, you’ll be able to interact with
others—and maybe even talk to a neighbor or friendly stranger—in a way you
could never do with the windows rolled up.
The health benefits of walking or riding (or even walking to
the bus) are immeasurable. Walking or riding can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and glaucoma. They also help manage weight and control blood pressure. Decreasing exposure to traffic and long commutes also reduces stress, which over time increases the risk of conditions like heart disease.
We urge you to join this community
effort and go car-free on September 22.
We will be having a community picnic between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the
LA River between Laurel Canyon Blvd. and Radford St., and local businesses will
be offering special promotions. Wear
blue to show that you are participating and favor a less congested, healthier
environment.
