Take a Deep Breath: Fresh Air Rides Promotes Healthier Travel Across the Region 

This August, residents across the greater Charlotte region are invited to breathe easier by participating in Fresh Air Rides: a month-long challenge that promotes clean air and healthy transportation habits. 

Hosted by Mecklenburg County Air Quality, Sustain Charlotte, Charlotte Area Transit System and Centralina Regional Council’s CONNECT Centralina program, the campaign empowers individuals to reduce their personal air pollution footprint by making small yet impactful changes to their daily travel routines. 

“Fresh Air Rides is a fun and impactful way for the community to get involved with air quality,” said Leslie Rhodes, Mecklenburg County Air Quality Director. “Cars remain the number one source of air pollution in our region, and this challenge empowers individuals to make small, intentional changes that reduce ozone and particulate matter.” 

Participants can earn entries for prizes simply by taking smarter trips, like packing lunch instead of driving out, using transit or coordinating a carpool. “Through CONNECT Centralina, we’re breaking down barriers and working across boundaries to advance shared goals for cleaner air, smarter transportation and stronger, healthier communities,” said Sarah Niess, Project Manager at Centralina Regional Council. 

Joining the challenge is easy: participants can log their trips daily at fresh-air-rides-meckgov.hub.arcgis.com. Each entry increases your chances of winning exciting prizes, including: 

• First Place: An e-scooter and helmet 

• Second Place: A Fitbit Versa 

• Third Place: Two tickets to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 

• Weekly giveaways! 

Whether you’re hopping on a bus, biking to the store or skipping the drive-thru, every choice counts. Let’s clear the air together! 

To learn more and start logging your trips, visit fresh-air-rides-meckgov.hub.arcgis.com.