Car Free DC

I want to preface this post by saying that I've always secretly wanted to learn how to ride a segway (Or, according to the Bill Nye-looking man who tried to sell me one yesterday, a "Segway Personal Transporter). And although you probably don't want to admit it either, I'm sure you've seen the groups of twenty or so middle aged retirees in white helmets zipping around the city in those Capitol segway tours, secretly wishing that you could try riding one of those back to the future-looking things, as well. Two days ago, when I was strolling Chinatown with my ex-boyfriend, Manny (who I am openly still in love with), we ran into the Car Free DC festival on F Street. Sponsored by the Department of Motor Vehicles, Car Free DC was created six years ago as a green initiative to encourage DC residents to do away with their vehicles and take on a more Earth-friendly habit in getting around. 

Now, I'm going to be honest; Although I love Ralph Nadar and soy products, I love a good steak from Smith & Wollensky and my leather Louis Vuitton Speedy even more. And, it's safe to say that while I secretly pretend it's an Audi sometimes while I'm driving it, I love my Volkswagon Jetta too much to part with it. I wouldn't exactly characterize my lifestyle as one that is "green", or better yet, "organic", but I definitely appreciated what this festival had to offer and what it was trying to achieve. With sponsors like Washington Area Bicyclists Association and Zipcar (which is a sensitive subject in my family, seeing as my many charges using the service lead to the majority of fights between myself and my father during college), the festival convinced me for the hour I spent there to leave my Jetta at home (Of course, after walking around for an hour, my feet got tired and I started complaining about how much I needed to drive home). There were various promotions and giveaways on Zipcar services, bikes, carpool initiatives, and even electronic scooters.

But most importantly, there was a segway demonstration going on that I made Manny try with me immediately. After signing my life away in a waiver and refusing to wear to the ugly helmet, I got on the segway and road along F Street. Oddly enough, the machine detects the nerves in your body in order to designate a direction. For example, if you place even the slightest bit of pressure on your heels, the segway will stop. It was a lot of fun, and I seemed to have a lot more fun than the man who went before me (who was nearly identical to Stanley from the Office, I might add). 

Did this festival convince me to be car free in DC? Absolutely not. But I did find out that segways are only $3600 used...

xo,

Angela