Leave the car at home and be rewarded, Nickels urges

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels announced a campaign today to try to persuade people to drive less by offering discounts to local businesses and attractions.

Incentives and discounts will be available to people who pledge to take mass transit, car pool, bike or walk.

"If we all pause before we make a car trip, we can make a difference," Nickels said at a news conference.

Today's announcement was one of several steps the mayor has taken to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.

Already this year, he proposed charging a 20-cent fee for paper and plastic bags at grocery and convenience stores, which the City Council is considering. The council is also weighing his proposal to require taxi owners to switch to more fuel-efficient cars.

Nickels spoke at a Rainier Avenue South intersection, where he showed off a billboard encouraging drivers to switch to light rail. They'll have to wait: Sound Transit's light-rail line is scheduled to open next year.

Representatives from the Seattle Art Museum and Tiny's Organic, a grocery delivery service, announced they would offer discounts to people who participate in the city's campaign. Other museums and the Woodland Park Zoo will also offer discounted admission.

To find out more about how to participate, go to www.seattlecan.org. Seattle residents who commit to reduce car trips at the Web site are eligible for the following:

• Commit to eliminating a few car trips, and qualify for a drawing for a $50 gift certificate for bus passes or REI.

• Commit to reducing commute trips for several months, and receive a $150 cash card. • Sell or donate a car, and receive $200 in gift certificates for bus passes or REI; a $100 discount to Tiny's Organic; $50 off a Zipcar membership; free membership in the Cascade Bicycle Club and Bicycle Alliance of Washington; and a signed proclamation from the mayor.

• For those who already bike, walk or take transit, the city will hold a quarterly drawing for an iPhone.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com