Index

Truths/Myths About Idling

The Campaign

How You Can Help

Idling [i'-dling], running the engine of a vehicle while it is not going anywhere.

TRUTHS: Idling
... harms health [more]

.... hurts air quality [more]

.... wastes fuel [more]

.... and is against the law. [more]

MYTHS: Idling
... saves gas, [more]

... is necessary in winter, [more]

... protects the engine. [more]

Idle-Free NYC 2008 kicked off on Earth Day, when 250 MTA buses citywide rolled out with posters that targeted Tuesday, May 6, 2008 (World Asthma Day), as NYC's first idle-free day. [more]
On April 22, Earth Day, 2007 Mayor Bloomberg announced his goal for NYC to "have the cleanest air quality of any big city in America." For this to happen, unnecessary vehicle idling must stop. It has to come both from the top with tougher idling laws and enforcement of those laws, and from the bottom with an informed citizenry that stops idling through self-control and social capital. Unnecessary idling must become as unacceptable as failing to pick up after your dog.

Together, we can all do something to help keep NYC idle-free. Reach out to friends and co-workers. Spread the word that breathing better air begins by turning engines off. Below are free downloads--tools--to help you do your part.
FREE DOWNLOADS (8.5"x11")
Click here to tell a friend
about Idle-Free NYC.
May 6, 2008 [World Asthma Day] was New York City's first declared idle-free day, but there are things you can do year round to limit idling in your community!

IF YOU ARE
... an individual
Host an Idle-Free letter-writing party. ... [more]

...a school
Download and share the Teach/Learn Powerpoint with school staff and parents. ... [more]

...a community group
Identify an idling hot-spot in your community. ... [more]

...business
Promote public transportation over driving ... [more]

...policy maker
Review the idling regulations that affect your ... [more]
Idle-Free NYC is headed by Asthma Free School Zone. Partnering organizations include: NYC Office of the Mayor /GreeNYC, NY City Council, NYC DOT, NYC DOHMH, Asthma Initiative, American Lung Association of the City of New York, Healthy Schools Network, Environmental Defense Fund, Transportation Alternatives, WEACT, League of Conservation Voters, and more!