District of Columbia officials are encouraging residents to participate in “Car Free D.C. Day” on Monday, September 22.

WASHINGTON (AP) — District of Columbia officials are encouraging residents to participate in “Car Free D.C. Day” on Monday.

The project promotes using sustainable means of transportation and raising awareness about cars’ impact on people’s quality of life. Organizers say D.C. is among dozens of other cities that are taking part with car-free events.

Among the efforts encouraging people to join in, D.C. Council member Muriel Bowser plans to distribute free SmarTrip cards with $1.25 each for those riding the Metro Extra bus route 79, and the Metrobus routes 70 and 71 at Kennedy and Georgia Avenue in northwest D.C.

The D.C. Circulator also will offer free rides on Monday. Other events include a street festival at 7th and F streets in northwest D.C., where people can get free bike tuneups.