September 22nd is World Car-Free Day. Regarding the origin of Car-Free Day, Baidu Baike introduces it as follows: On September 22, 1998, some young people in France first proposed the slogan "In Town, Without My Car!" At that time, many European cities were suffering from increasingly serious air and noise pollution caused by cars. They called for a moment of peace in cities usually filled with cars.

　　This year marks the seventh Chinese Car-Free Day. The first Chinese Car-Free Day event was held on September 22, 2007. By 2012, 152 cities in China had pledged to participate in Car-Free Day activities. This year's theme is "Green Transportation, Fresh Air".

　　 Various Measures Introduced Across China for Car-Free Day

　　 Luoyang: Implementing Traffic Control

　　Traffic control will be in effect from 7 am to 7 pm. Luoyang will implement measures such as "even-numbered license plate restrictions", "bus-only lanes with time limits", "cancellation of some temporary parking spaces", and "government vehicle impoundment". During the traffic control period, vehicles with even-numbered license plates that need to travel due to special circumstances such as weddings, funerals, or emergency medical situations should contact 110 or 122 in advance for registration. The Luoyang City Traffic Police Detachment's Legal Publicity Section stated that on Car-Free Day, violations such as "occupying bus-only lanes", "illegal parking", "driving in prohibited areas", and "motor vehicles driving in non-motorized vehicle lanes without designated lanes" will be subject to fines of less than 200 yuan and corresponding point deductions.

　　 Sanshui: Car-Free Day Bus Rides, 50% Off with Cash Payment

　　On September 22nd, Car-Free Day, bus rides in Sanshui will enjoy a 50% discount with cash payment. The discount applies to all coded buses in the district (including town buses and tourist lines). From 7 am to 7 pm, Park North Road in the Southwest Street will be designated as a car-free zone, implementing motor vehicle traffic control. Except for buses, taxis, school buses, military and police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, and emergency rescue vehicles, all other motor vehicles are prohibited from passing through, and relevant vehicles should take detours.

　　 Shenzhen: Launching a Transportation Service Consultation Week, Promoting Green Travel

　　The Shenzhen Municipal Transportation Commission issued an appeal to citizens, calling on them to let their cars rest for a day and choose green transportation methods. The commission will launch the 2013 Shenzhen Transportation Service Consultation Week and Car-Free Day activities throughout the city from September 22nd to 26th. The commission plans to conduct the Transportation Service Consultation Week and Car-Free Day activities for five consecutive days starting from September 22nd, mainly using the transportation service stations of various transportation bureaus. Two communities or large enterprises will be selected in each transportation service station's jurisdiction to set up on-site consultation points, with a total of 97 points set up across the city. Through displaying exhibition boards and distributing promotional materials, the consultation points will collect citizens' opinions and suggestions on Shenzhen's transportation work.

　　 Yibin: Cycling Club Organizes a City Cycling Event

　　Yibin Giant Bicycle Store initiated the declaration of "Low-Carbon Cycling, Love My Yibin", organizing cyclists to participate in a city cycling event, calling on citizens to improve air quality by changing their travel methods and restoring our blue sky.

　　 Car-Free Day: I Pledge to Cycle

　　Cycling is a green and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. Cycling can not only exercise your body but also save time spent in traffic jams and avoids environmental problems such as exhaust emissions. It's green, environmentally friendly, healthy, and beneficial in many ways. Why not?

　　It is understood that although Car-Free Day in foreign countries has not always been smooth sailing in the past, even facing some opposition and protests, it is gradually developing in a positive direction.

　　Car-Free Day has been exceptionally successful in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Colombia, where citizens participate not just as a parade-like event but with a relaxed mood to meet old friends, spend time with family, make new friends, play together, and find joy. With the accumulation of experience, bands and performing groups have also begun to participate in Car-Free Day. Tourists from other places or foreign countries also come to seek a different travel experience.

　　Similar successes have been seen in Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and Volgograd, Russia, bringing joy and hope to people around the world. With Car-Free Day approaching, would you refuse this healthy way of getting around? Car-Free Day, after finishing your mooncakes, it's time to go for a bike ride!