On September 22nd, Car Free Day encourages motorists around the world to give up their vehicles for a day. The observance is also known as World Car Free Day.

Many people around the world consider their car a necessity. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to zip to their destination conveniently. Today, an estimated 1.4 billion cars travel the roads throughout the world. At one time, the United States had the most car owners. Now China claims that prize. Volkswagen and Toyota manufacture more cars than other companies.

Cars offer a convenient way to get around. However, cars hurt the environment. Besides causing air pollution, scientists point to cars as contributing to global warming.

Car Free Day aims to see what life would be like without cars on the road. The observance encourages motorists to walk or bicycle instead. The day promotes the use of mass transit for those who need to travel long distances. It’s also a day for cities to use their roadways in different ways. For example, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, horses are ridden on the streets.

In other cities, street picnics and a variety of fun events are scheduled to take place in the streets. In Budapest, there are races for alternative-energy-powered vehicles. Many cities promote the idea that biking and walking are safer than driving a car.

WORLD CAR FREE DAY HISTORY

Since the 1950s, various groups have protested the use of cars. At that time, they considered cars an intrusion into their cities and neighborhoods. From 1956 to 1957, the Netherlands and Belgium held car-free Sundays.

Through the years, research began to reveal the negative impact of cars on the environment. At an international conference in 1994, a paper discussing a strategy for reducing dependence on cars was distributed. In the late 1990s, car-free projects were planned and implemented in various European cities. In 1997, the British Environmental Transport Association coordinated three annual car-free days. Spain, Italy, and France followed suit with similar projects.

Car Free Days made its way to South America in 2000 with the most extensive Car Free Program held in Bogota, Columbia. On September 22, 2000, the European Car Free Day was held. It has since been an annual event for 46 countries and 2,000 cities all over the world.

Explore More…

• Bike to School Day
• Bike to Work Day
• National Car Free Day
• National Earth Day
• Bike to Work Week
• National Bike Month
• Family Fun Month
• National Great Outdoors Month

HOW TO OBSERVE #CarFreeDay

The best way to observe World Car Free Day is to simply not use your vehicle. If you need to go somewhere, walk or ride your bike. You may consider using a skateboard or electric scooter instead. Educate yourself on the role that cars play in our environment’s future. Research alternative energy sources for cars.

Find ways in your community to get around without your car. Can you take advantage of public transportation? Organize a carpool with co-workers. Spend time with your children while walking to school. Discover the benefits of using your car less often.

• Reduced wear and tear on your vehicle
• Increased savings
• Lower maintenance costs
• Decreased carbon footprint
• Physical exercise

You may decide that going car-free isn’t so bad after all!

If you decide to go car-free, share your experience on social media using #CarFreeDay.