Car-Free? Make Sure DC Hears You

Jeffrey, of Chevy Chase (photo provided by the Coalition for Smarter Growth)

Jeffrey, of Chevy Chase (photo provided by the Coalition for Smarter Growth)[/caption]

Are you one of the 38 percent?

According to the Coalition for Smarter Growth, citing U.S. Census data, 38 percent of DC households are car-free (PDF file). Or maybe you’re one of the many who own a vehicle, but leave it parked and unused for much of the week.

The Coalition for Smarter Growth would like to hear from you. Whether you’re car-free by choice or because you can’t afford one, DC’s transportation policies should reflect the needs of this large – and growing – population. So the Coalition is collecting first-hand accounts to illustrate the many ways we get around our city, and the ways our city’s transportation needs are changing.

In a piece for Greater Greater Washington, the Coalition’s Aimee Custis writes: [blockquote][A] significant number of District policies and discussions still assume that most residents will own a car and use it for many, if not all, of their daily needs. The consequences of this misunderstanding impact all of us, ranging from higher housing costs, increased traffic thanks to unintentional subsidy of car ownership, and diverting resources from improving other transportation options. In the end, what all of that means is a less walkable, less inclusive District.[/blockquote]

A few of our Forest Hills neighbors have already contributed their stories.

What’s your story? To add your voice, click here.