Vernon

Wondering why public transit was free in Vernon on Saturday?

Photo: Amy Jackson-Shelling

Children get their bikes decorated during "Car Free Day."

The City of Vernon joined over 1000 other cities in 40 different countries to participate in International Car Free Day.

“Transit was free today so I’ve been sending people on tours of the city,” says International Car Day volunteer Melanie Young.

“It’s been good to let people know things aren’t nearly as far away as they think they are.”

The event was held downtown in Cenotaph Park from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There was a station for children to decorate their bikes, safe cycling skills with Community Policing, live entertainment and a downtown trivia treasure hunt, with prizes from Re-cycled Accessories, free transit tickets, and Vernon Golf and Country Club.

While environmental benefits are obvious, volunteers and organizers placed emphasis on the personal health benefits of International Car Free Day.

“Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are two of the most significant issues underlying the health problems most commonly seen in a family doctor’s office,” says Vernon Mayor Rob Sawatzky.

“Vernon is statistically no different from an average BC community in this regard and efforts to increase walking, cycling, and the overall activity have the potential to reap multiple health and well-being benefits.”

When asked why it was important for Vernon to host an event like this, Environment Planner, Brooke Marshall said, “It’s important any time you have an opportunity to get out more information out to the community about what the options are, what information is available, where the bus routes are, all that kind of stuff. Sometimes you can hand somebody a piece of information but they may not read it but if they actually come out and participate they become part of the whole process.”