Whereas, CarSharing Portland (now Zipcar), founded in March of 1998, was the first car sharing program in the U.S; and

Whereas, car sharing reduces the number of vehicles on the road, reduces the number of vehicle miles traveled, increases the use of alternative transportation and enhances the convenience, affordability and sustainability of the community; and

Whereas, car sharing has since spread to multiple cities across the United States, working closely with local governments and transportation organizations to help ease some of the problems vehicle ownership presents; research shows that car sharing:

1. Reduces congestion; over 40% of Zipcar members decide against purchasing cars, or end up selling their cars.

 2. Preserves green spaces for parks; for every vehicle added to a car sharing program, there are 15 privately owned vehicles taken off the road.

 3. Reduces the strain on urban parking infrastructure; car sharing has removed more than 3,000 vehicles from Portland’s streets.

 4. Reduces the amount of green house gasses released into the atmosphere; vehicle miles travelled by Zipcar members is reduced by as much as 50%.

 5. Improves the physical health and well-being of the community.

 6. Keeps money in the community; Zipcar members report saving over $5,000 per year on overall transportation cost, this money in turn is spent in the community.

 7. Reduces energy consumption.

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim March 5, 2008 to be

Car Sharing Day

in Portland, and encourage all citizens to observe this day.