Mecklenburg County Air Quality, in partnership with Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), Connect Centralina, and Sustain Charlotte, is encouraging residents to participate in the Fresh Air Rides (FAR) challenge from August 4 to 31. The annual event aims to raise awareness about air pollution and promote actions that reduce emissions during a period when the Charlotte region typically experiences higher levels of air pollution.
“FAR is a fun way for the community to get involved with air quality. Cars are our number one source of air pollution, and Fresh Air Rides specifically emphasizes individual decisions that contribute to higher levels of ozone and particulate matter,” said Mecklenburg County Air Quality Director Leslie Rhodes.
The program allows participants to log their activities on the FAR dashboard, tracking how their transportation choices impact local air quality. Each day of participation counts as an entry for prizes, which will be awarded weekly throughout the challenge. Grand prizes include an e-scooter and helmet for first place, a Fitbit Versa for second place, and two tickets to the Daniel Stowe Conservancy for third place.
“Centralina Regional Council is proud to join our regional partners in supporting Fresh Air Rides. Through CONNECT Centralina, we’re working across boundaries to advance shared goals for clean air, efficient transportation, and stronger communities,” said Sarah Niess, senior planner from Centralina Regional Council.
Meg Fencil, director of engagement and impact at Sustain Charlotte, highlighted the significance of everyday transportation decisions: “Fresh Air Rides is a great reminder that our daily transportation choices have a real impact on air quality and public health. Whether you’re riding the bus, biking, walking, or carpooling, every trip taken without a single-occupancy vehicle helps reduce harmful emissions and build a cleaner, healthier community. Sustain Charlotte is proud to support FAR and encourage residents to rethink how they move through our city—not just for the prizes, but for the planet.”
Anyone aged 18 or older living in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area can participate by making small changes such as packing lunch instead of driving out or choosing alternative transit options like buses or vanpools.
“Riding public transit is one of the most effective ways individuals can help improve air quality,” said Catherine Kummer, CATS director of marketing and communications, business partnerships.
“Public transit isn’t just about getting from point A to point B; it’s also about building a more resilient community for generations to come.”
Last year’s campaign saw 285 residents avoid 2,200 single occupancy vehicle trips—reducing local air pollution by approximately 120 pounds. For official rules and eligibility criteria visit Fresh-Air-Rides-MeckGov.Hub.Arcgis.com.
In related news regarding Mecklenburg County schools: Enrollment dropped by 0.4% in the 2022-23 school year compared with the previous year (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/). Total enrollment was reported at 153,537 students during that period (https://www.dpi.nc.gov/).
