Macon to celebrate ‘Car-Free Day’ Friday with free MTA bus rides, local discounts

Macon residents encouraged to embrace biking, walking and public transit on Friday, May 24

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon is gearing up for a car-free day this Friday, May 24, encouraging residents to embrace alternative modes of transportation such as biking, walking or public transit.

The event, a partnership between Bike Walk Macon and the Macon-Bibb Transit Authority (MTA), aims to promote more affordable and healthier ways of getting around the city.

On Friday, residents will have the opportunity to ride for free on MTA buses throughout the city. Dispatch supervisors will be available to assist with travel routes and address any questions from participants.

“It’s a great opportunity to try public transit if maybe you are unfamiliar with it or have a preconceived notion of it,” Kaylee Pruitt, the Education & Engagement Manager at Bike Walk Macon, said. “It’s really a great opportunity to test out our transit system.”

Pruitt says the event also gives Maconites the opportunity to explore what’s going on right in their backyard.

“You see the neighborhood in a completely different light when you’re outside of your car, when you’re walking around,” she said. “We have such beautiful buildings. We have great infrastructure, so it’s a really great opportunity to explore.”

Individuals can sign the car-free day pledge on the Bike Walk Macon website and receive discounts at local businesses. Several businesses have partnered with the initiative, including Bike Tech Macon, Bohemian Den nd Ingleside Village Pizza.

Community events will also be held to bring like-minded individuals together, including a breakfast hosted by Macon Bagels from 7:45 – 9 a.m. and a lunch gathering at Ingleside Village Pizza at 11 a.m.

Bike Walk Macon has set a target of getting 200 people to go car-free on Friday.