World Car Free Day

by: Jess Orlik

Worldwide: On Thursday 22 September World Car Free Day was celebrated in over 1500 cities in 40 countries across the globe. The event aimed to combat car dependency and invites us to imagine our cities and communities as they could be without cars.

World Car Free network, an organisation at the centre of the international car-free network, helped co-ordinate the day by providing support and online resources for grassroots groups and public authorities organising events.

Activities ranged from direct action such as painting bicycle lanes on the road, to community oriented bike rides and street theatre. In Europe, an event called “In Town Without my Car” saw town centres close to traffic whilst people gathered to enjoy walking, cycling, street theatre and live music. “In Town Without My Car” began in 1995 in Bath during Green Transport Week and has since spread across most of Eastern Europe and is popular in Latin America.

In 2004, activists in Sao Paulo, Brazil, staged critical mass demonstrations in rush hour traffic. The cyclists blocked the main avenue, Avenida Paulista, famous for its accumulation of corporations, banks, media and constant flow of cars and buses. They handed out flyers and displayed banners, forcing drivers to reflect on the day.

Cars cause 40% of air pollution that contributes to climate change and there are a staggering 3000 traffic related deaths every day. In the West, car dependency contributes to problems such as obesity, isolation, stress and air pollution. We desperately need to develop a sustainable transport system in order to improve our quality of life and prevent environmental meltdown.

Some measures to cut car use are underway. In addition to the events held on 22 September, 600 cities have signed a charter for European Mobility Week (EMW), an initiative by the European Commission, which requires that Car Free Day activities be extended to an entire week. Participating cities must also implement measures to promote alternative transport.

EMW ran from 16-22 September and aims to facilitate debate on the need to change urban travel patterns and cut private car use. This year’s theme is “Clever Commuting.” The idea is to promote sustainable trips to work and school by encouraging cycling, walking and use of public transport.

Source: European Mobility Week