When this is multiplied by 1.475 billion cars, the results are dire. Car-free cities It aims to reduce traffic congestion, reduce pollution levels, and increase the overall quality of life. This movement promotes healthy transportation options, such as cycling, walking, and public transportation. Learn about the different countries that have adopted this change.
What is Car-Free City Day?
Car-Free Day is an annual event celebrated in many cities around the world, aimed at promoting sustainable transport and raising awareness of the environmental impacts of car use. On this day, local authorities often encourage residents to abandon their cars and adopt different modes of transport, such as walking, cycling and public transport.
The initiative aims to reduce air pollution, traffic congestion and noise, as well as promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement. Car-Free Day typically involves activities such as street fairs, cycling events and educational programs to inspire long-term changes in transportation habits. It is part of a broader movement to create more livable and sustainable urban environments.
Amazing car-free cities in the world in 2024
Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt has always been a car-free paradise. Entry for private vehicles is only permitted as far as Täsch, 5 kilometers away. From Täsch, visitors can reach Zermatt by boarding a shuttle train that runs every 20 minutes. Once in town, transportation options include walking, horse-drawn carriages, e-taxis, bicycles, and a free e-bus that runs on two routes: the Skibus and the Winkelmatten Bus.
La Digue, Seychelles
La Digue, a quiet island in the Seychelles, is a place where time seems to have stopped. With no traffic jams or honking horns, the best way to get around is by bike. The island’s main road offers beautiful views and leads to the stunning Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Visitors can also trek to Anse Coco, snorkel in the clear waters or go kayaking. For those with limited mobility, electric buggies are available to help navigate the island.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s Centro Storico is renowned as Europe’s largest pedestrian-only urban area. Built on a network of 126 islands, the city has over 400 bridges connecting the various districts. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice attracts around 20 million tourists each year, all the while remaining vehicle-free. In fact, locals have even considered banning rolling suitcases to maintain their peaceful, wheel-free environment.
Lamu, Kenya
Lamu, one of the oldest Swahili towns, has banned cars altogether. Instead, donkeys provide land transportation, while traditional dhows carry visitors around the archipelago. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lamu is rich in history and features stunning architecture made of coral stone and mangrove wood. The old town’s narrow streets and intricately designed buildings reflect a unique blend of Swahili, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and European influences.
Fes el Bali, Morocco
Fes el Bali, the larger of Fes’s two medinas, is a remarkably well-preserved medieval city with more than 13,000 historic structures. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, it is possibly the world’s largest contiguous car-free zone. With some streets as narrow as 24 inches, the area is largely inaccessible to vehicles, making it a truly unique destination for visitors.
Ghent, Belgium
Since 2017, Ghent’s city center has been car-free, adding to its medieval charm. The city is served by regular bus routes, tram lines, and even an electric boat service for eco-friendly mobility, as well as a free park-and-ride shuttle. Night buses and free transport for children under 14 further add to the charm of public transport in this vibrant university city.
Hydra, Greece
On the beautiful island of Hydra, cars and even bicycles are banned. The only way to explore its charming streets is on foot or with the island’s trusty mules. Although mules can be slow, they offer a unique way to explore the island. Boats are the preferred mode of transport to reach the more remote beaches.
Giethoorn, The Netherlands
Just 75 miles from Amsterdam, Giethoorn is a postcard-perfect village with no cars and no paved roads. Known as the Dutch Venice, visitors can explore the area by bike, boat or on foot, walking across the many footbridges that cross its quiet canals. The town’s name, which means “goat’s horn,” originates from the discovery of wild-goat horns by early residents.
Yelapa, Mexico
Yelapa, a charming bay located in the Bay of Banderas, is completely car-free. Although a road leads to the outskirts, travel to and from the village is primarily by boat. In the 1960s and ’70s, Yelapa became a haven for hippies, and today its laid-back atmosphere still attracts visitors seeking a peaceful escape. The popular saying, “I’d rather have a palapa in Yelapa than a condo in Redondo,” sums up the island’s charm.
Also read: Indian investors are rushing to buy properties in Greece; find out why
