WORLD CAR-FREE DAY

Over the last 21 years, the world car-free day has traditionally been celebrated annually on the 22nd of September. The organizers choose a particular theme each year primarily aimed at awareness creation on the numerous benefits of cycling, carpooling or even walking to work. Motorists are urged not to drive their cars for a day.

Cities across the globe hold organized and varying car-free day activities. These include people leaving their cars at home and instead opting to walk or cycle to run different errands. The primary aim of this is to change people’s perception of private car use and reduce noise and motor vehicle air pollution.

What are the Objectives of World Car-Free Day?

The primary objective of the world car-free day is to raise awareness on the importance of embracing alternative means of travel other than dependence on private cars. The principal focus of the campaign is environmental conservation and the reduction of noise and air pollution in our cities.

On this day, city planners and the local authorities get a perfect opportunity to present ideas on alternative modes of transport to the public. This day offers us an ideal platform to either pledge support or even suggest ways of improving the ideas presented. The overall aim of this car-free campaign is to come up with a policy that can reduce traffic jam, pollution, and grant clean air to every city.

World Car-Free Day History

The first world car-free day was observed in the year 2000. The Environmental Transport Association established the World Car Free Day but the initial observance day was the first Tuesday in the second half of June. The holiday was later designated as a self-standing day to be celebrated on September 22nd. In a bid to tackle deadly pollution, car-free days the UK has been increased especially in London.

Today world car-free day is observed in many countries to improve the pedestrian spirit, mass transit, public transit, use of bicycles and walking.

How to Celebrate World Car-Free Day

Take the initiative to reduce planet pollution today. Leave your car at home and instead, grab the bicycle and head to work. If you intend to go shopping, take a walk or use public transport instead. However, be sure to make this a regular affair and not a one-day thing.

Additionally, take this chance to educate others about the car-free day initiative. There is a high chance that many people in your locality have never heard nor celebrated the car-free day. Take this opportunity to educate your neighbors, family members and friends and highlight to them the importance of the car-free day.

If your town is organizing car-free events, add value to this day by volunteering and participating in the organized activities. By being part of these celebrations, you will get a chance to make new friends, expand your social or business networks and most importantly, remain physically fit after indulging in the various activities.

Why Celebrate World Car-Free Day?

Research has shown that motor vehicles account for the highest amount of gas emissions into the atmosphere. When we use public transport and leave our cars at home, the number of cars on the roads is reduced and so is pollution. This also reduces traffic jam and road pack hence making commuting easy and convenient for everyone.

When we use bicycles or walk to our destinations, we get a chance to enjoy nature. Personal vehicles contribute to noise pollution giving us no opportunity to hear voices of birds and other animals. So, a car-free day means that you get to enjoy the scenic views and everything else mother nature has to offer.

Most importantly, the world car-free day gives us a chance to save money for car fuel and maintenance costs. Moreover, you get to have peace of mind and no tension or stress especially if your car tends to break down regularly.

Indeed, the above car-free day advantages should motivate us to take a break from our cars from time to time.