Car Free Day: the chance to reimagine the future

Thursday 22nd September is World Car Free Day: a day that encourages people to get from A to B without a car. Some towns and cities make it easier than others to do this – on this special day and also the other 364 days of the year.

While this is a special one-off event, it doesn’t have to be. Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia with around 10 million people, has held weekly car free days every Sunday since 2007.

 

The Benefits of going car-free

⭐ Exercise as part of your day

Getting from A to B without a car will involve being more physically active in your journey. With physical activity helping to improve your health and wellbeing, leaving your car at home can benefit your health.

⭐ Cleaner air for you and your family

Air pollution is bad for our health. Up to 40,000 early deaths are attributable to air pollution each year in the UK. By not travelling by car, you will be helping to reduce air pollution, which negatively impacts you, your family and friends, and those that live in your area.

⭐ Reduce your carbon footprint

The more car journeys made, the higher the carbon emissions released. Switching one trip per day from a car to cycling for 200 days a year could reduce your carbon footprint by around 0.5 tonnes a year.

⭐ Waste less time in traffic

Not using a car will help to reduce traffic congestion, giving people more time to do the things they actually want to.

⭐ Save money

The average annual cost of owning a car in the UK is £3406.80 (£5744.40 for people with car finance). It can be much cheaper to cycle or walk rather than drive.

 

Low traffic Future Alliance

We have launched our Low Traffic Future campaign and alliance to help promote the benefits of reducing traffic. Its vision is a world with clean air, safe streets, vibrant communities, a stable climate and healthy natural environment for future generations. Follow us online for more information and to join the alliance for a low traffic future for everyone and everywhere in the UK!

 

Get to work, school, the shops without the car

On Thursday, 22nd September 2022, regardless of what your council is doing to mark the event, if you are able to, please do join us in going car-free for the day.

We would love to hear about your experiences of the day. Let us know how you find getting to work, school, the shops, cinema and more via Twitter using #CarFreeDay or send us a message.