World Car Free Day

World Car Free Day is a great reason to stop using your car, and many cities host themed events. The mission of the holiday is to show drivers and pedestrians what a world without cars can be like. Similar events have taken place since 1973 during the oil crisis, but they were all unofficial and spontaneous. It wasn’t until the fall of 1994, at the International Conference on Affordable Means, that the idea of an official World Car Free Day was introduced.

History

The holiday began as an initiative of the Ecological Transport Association. Representatives of this organization announced World Car Free Day on the first Tuesday of Green Transport Week. In 2000, an independent car-free day was officially established, during which many cities closed their central streets to drivers and instead opened them for cyclists and pedestrians. The mission of the holiday is to motivate people to make the world cleaner through practical efforts.

Interesting Facts

• Today, more than 1,500 cities worldwide and 100 million people take part in the initiative, with some cities holding such events several times a year.
• There are now more than one billion cars globally, and about 70 million new cars are produced annually.
• The main danger from cars is carbon pollution.
• According to statistics, the average car spends about 95% of its lifetime parked.

How to Take Part

Ditch your gasoline-powered car in favor of an electric vehicle, which is more environmentally friendly. Reduce the time you spend driving and help create a safe environment without toxic emissions. Buying a bike is another great way to support the World Car Free Day initiative.

When is World Car Free Day in 2025?

World Car Free Day is observed on September 22 each year.

Observations