Car-Free Diet: Shed Traffic, Fatten Wallet

"Arlington certainly makes a car-less life more accessible than I'm sure some other communities would," Heffley said. "It's made me that much more likely to stay in Arlington, the fact that they're so car-free friendly. I get the impression Arlington puts value and emphasis on that."

County Board member Jay Fisette (D), who spoke at the expo, said the Car-Free Diet represents the county's values.

"That's the uniqueness of this: You're connecting the environment, personal health and wellness and the smart values we've been known for," Fisette said. "I'm really proud of our community for the values. But beyond just having good values, this program is a perfect example of creativity."

Chris Balish, a journalist who wrote "How to Live Well Without Owning a Car," spoke at both sessions, promoting the benefits of saving money, helping the environment and improving the quality of life.

Editions of his book, with an Arlington section added for residents, were given to attendees.

"Arlington is one of the easiest places in the country to get around without a car," said Balish, who lives car-free in Los Angeles, which is not easy to navigate without a car.

For people who can't go car-free, Hamilton said, Arlington advocates a "car-lite" lifestyle, in which using a car is minimized through carpooling and public transit. He said the county's planning and car alternatives propel the effort.

Hamilton said that whether one goes car-free or car-lite, the important thing is to try.

"We really want people to just consider the trips they're taking, and ask, 'Do I have to drive?' " he said. " 'Could I bike, could I walk? Could I telecommute?' "