The Savannah Development and Renewal Authority  in partnership with the City of Savannah, Chatham Area Transit, Savannah Bicycle Campaign and the Pedestrian Advocates of the Coastal Empire are promoting Dump the Pump: Leave Your Car At Home Day on Friday, April 18, 2008.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation and to encourage users of downtown (employees, residents, students, shoppers, and diners) to commute by walking, riding bicycles, skateboards, scooters, carpooling and public transportation.

Downtown Savannah is known internationally for its connectivity, pedestrian scale and walkability. Dump the Pump encourages Savannahians to experience downtown as it was originally planned and intended by Gen. James Oglethorpe. Furthermore, alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycling, buses, walking, and carpooling, can reduce fuel consumption and traffic congestion while providing health, environmental, social and economic benefits to individuals and to the community.

On April 18th Chatham Area Transit will allow passengers boarding with a bicycle to pay 25 cents. The day will also feature the distribution of maps identify the location of bicycle lanes, bicycle racks, and free shuttle routes.

The event on April 18th is the first Dump the Pump: Leave Your Car At Home Day to be followed by two additional event days on May 16 and June 20. The event in April will coincide with Earth Day (April 19), the event in May will coincide with the National Ride Your Bike to Work Week (May 12 -16) and the June event will coincide with the National Dump the Pump Day (June 21).

Information regarding Dump the Pump: Leave Your Car At Home Day will be featured at www.savannahtransit.com

Individuals regularly using alternative modes of transportation will be made available for interviews.

For additional information about this event, please contact SDRA at 912.651.6973 or savannah_dt@sdra.net.