British motorists are being urged to walk, cycle or take the bus whether they are going to work, school or the shops on World Car Free Day this Tuesday. World Carfree Day is an annual celebration of cities and public life, free from the noise, stress and pollution of cars.
Every September 22, people from around the world get together in the streets and neighbourhoods to celebrate World Carfree Day and to remind the world that we don't have to accept our car-dominated societies.
There are many events happening to celebrate Car Free Day around the country. York’s first ever Car Free Day will take place on the Tuesday and a spokesman for City of York Council, which is organising the event with local bus providers and Cycling City York, said: “It is hoped that as many people as possible will find an alternative means of getting around the city.”
Brighton and Hove will hold Streets for People this Sunday, September 20, while both Harrogate and Oxford will be celebating Car Free Day, which is part of European Mobility Week, on the Tuesday.
Councillor John Tanner said: “Car Free Day should make us all think about how we travel in Oxford for the rest of the year too so please do your bit on Tuesday 22nd."
Streets Alive in Bristol, which promotes events which give people a chance to enjoy their street, with various social and creative activities, will be celebrating tomorrow. The organisation started on the very first Cr Free Day in 2000 and they are working with the council and cycling groups to put on a Streets Alive event in Bristol town centre when eight streets will be closed.
And not forgetting the biggest car free day of them all this Sunday – the Mayor of London’s Skyride. It will take riders past Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Tower of London and will allow cyclists of all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy a traffic-free capital for the day and provide a unique opportunity to see London in a new light. There will also be a variety of activities to create a carnival atmosphere in the capital.
Free registration for Mayor of London’s Skyride is easy - visit www.goskyride.com to make sure you get involved.
Before the 10th anniversary of World Carfree Day next year, organisers want the 2009 edition to be a showcase for how our cities might look like, feel like, and sound like without cars 365 days a year.