Tampa’s first World Car Free Day event in 2023 was a huge success, winning the prestigious Tampa Downtown Partnership Excellence Award for Activating Spaces. Organizers are poised to expand the event even further on September 22, 2024. This event will coincide with the city’s initiative to expand bike lanes throughout downtown and beyond and extend the Riverwalk to West Tampa.
This holiday is celebrated in different ways around the world, all with the common goal of showing new transportation options and reducing car use. The benefits include less traffic congestion, a greener environment and less need for gasoline. Today, World Car Free Day is celebrated in 46 countries and over 2,000 cities.
Walk Bike Tampa, in partnership with the City of Tampa, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Westshore Alliance, Pedal Power Promoters and Sidewalk Stompers, is hosting the 2nd Annual World Car Free Day on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Car Free Day with Big Community Rides in Tampa
Notable activities:
- 9:30 a.m. – Group rides start from the meet-up locations
- 10:30am – Kidical Mass arrives at Encore! (Ray Charles Blvd)
- 11:00 a.m. – Bike Rodeo hosted by the Tampa Police Department
- 1:30 p.m. – Raffle – Encore! (Ray Charles Blvd)
The organizers aim to create car-free spaces that promote inclusion and diversity, making communities healthier and more vibrant. Their mission is to promote and grow car-free spaces and culture in collaboration with local communities.
The event will take place in three major activity centers in Midtown (3659 Midtown Dr), encore (Ray Charles Blvd) and HCC Ybor Plaza (2001 E 14th Ave), each offering their own unique program of activities. Enjoy a day filled with vendors, city markets, live entertainment, food trucks, chalk art, pickleball, kids’ activities and community organizations.
Three new neighborhood Meet-Up locations have been added for 2024: Spaddy’s Coffee (5206 N Florida Ave), Woodland Terrace Park (6410 N 32nd St), and Buddy Brew Hyde Park (1605 W Snow Ave). These Meet-Up spots are ideal for connecting with other participants and cycling together to major activity centers. Riding in groups not only increases visibility, but also provides a safer and more engaging experience for everyone.
For the full map and list of activities, visit the Car Free Day website.
