Being carefree and car-free

by: Amber

Hungary: Speakers from around the world gathered in Budapest, Hungary for the “Towards Car free Cities” conference held between 18 and 22 July. The goals of the conference were to promote the use of alternatives to automobiles for a safer, cleaner environment.

The fifth TCFC conference, a collaboration between World Carfree Network (WCN) and Hungary’s Clean Air Action Group, is the fifth in a series of international conferences aimed at reducing dependence on automobiles in urban areas. Some issues that were discussed were cycling projects, turning streets into pubic squares, safety, and urban lifestyles. Also included were dinners and dancing, a film night and one session cleverly titled “Autoholics Anonymous.” Some groups spoke about already existing car-free projects, including the world car-free day, held annually on 22 September in various cities across the globe.

The idea of being car free is really catching on. In Bogota, Columbia voters have incorporated into their constitution four car-free days each year. In last years car free week, over 1500 towns and cities participated. In Canada, streets were blocked off to allow for the festival-like activities. They held bike raffles, repaired old bikes using recycled parts, had a bike drive-in theatre, street hockey, and street chalking. This year, Toronto is planning on kicking off the events with a parade the morning of car free day. Cities in Spain, Italy, France, Germany and other areas of Europe will also be participating this September. (For a complete list of European cities visit http://www.mobilityweek-europe.org/page.php?page=information_conferences&lang=en

During the 2004 celebrations in London, the people took back the streets with live music, comedians, craft displays, skateboard parks, clowns, stunt performers and even puppet shows. Of course, there was also loads of information available as well about how people can live a car-free lifestyle, and plenty of walks and bike rides.

This years London conference will kick off on 15 September at 12pm at Potters Field, and events will be planned the entire week until the official car free day on the 22, the theme this year being “Clever Commuting.” Visit http://www.mobilityweek-europe.org/page.php?page=information_conferences〈=en for more details of events.

If you would like to see a list of the countries worldwide that are participating in car free day, go to http://www.worldcarfree.net