Tampa to celebrate World Car-Free Day with events and activities

TAMPA, Florida — Tampa will celebrate its second annual World Car-Free Day on September 22, 2024, with a series of events and activities across the city.

Joining more than 2,000 cities in 46 countries, Tampa's celebration will feature Activation Zones in three neighborhoods connected by a 6-mile bike-friendly route showcasing some of the city's best bicycling infrastructure. Participants are encouraged to arrive by walking, cycling, scooting, or taking transit, though they can also come by car and rent a ride to experience Tampa in a different way.

“Last year was such a great success. We had great turnout and raised money for safety improvements,” said Christian Leon, president of Walk Bike Tampa, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization founded in 2015 that advocates for safe streets throughout the city. “We’re thrilled that we’re able to offer an even bigger and better event this year.”

World Car-Free Day is celebrated worldwide on September 22 to promote investment in active transportation such as transit, bicycle, and walking infrastructure, and to encourage the development of communities where jobs, shopping, and services are within walking distance. Tampa marked World Car-Free Day last year for the first time.

Other planned events this year include the city’s first Kidical Mass, a kids' ride, and group rides from meet-up spots at Buddy Brew Coffee in Hyde Park Village, Woodland Terrace Park in East Tampa, and Spaddy’s Coffee Co. in Seminole Heights. Additional activities will feature drawings for prizes, including bikes, e-bikes, Lowry Park Zoo passes, food trucks, live music, karaoke, bike decorating, urban markets, and more.

Events will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m. Partners in Tampa’s World Car-Free Day include Tampa Downtown Partnership, Westshore Alliance, Tampa General Hospital, Pedal Power Promoters, Sidewalk Stompers, and the City of Tampa.

For more information, event updates, becoming a sponsor, vendor, volunteer, or just joining the fun, visit walkbiketampa.org or send an email to WalkBikeTampa@gmail.com.