World Car Free Day

What Is World Car Free Day?

September 22nd is "World Car Free Day." It originated in a "day without cars" experiment held in La Rochelle, France, on September 9, 1997. From 1998, at the call of the French environment ministry, it was held nationwide on September 22. The idea is to refrain from using private cars in city centers and experience getting around by public transport, bicycle, or on foot—and to think about transport, the environment, urban life, and how we use cars.

From France to the World

On Car Free Day, private car traffic is restricted in a designated area for one day, so residents can experience their city without cars.

• Across Europe: In 2000, with support from the European Commission, it spread throughout Europe as "In Town, Without My Car!" From 2002, the event was expanded into "Mobility Week" (September 16–22), and by around 2007 it had become a worldwide initiative with some 2,000 participating cities.
• In Japan: The first Japanese example is said to be an event run by a citizens' group in Tokyo in 2000, and full-scale activities linked with Europe began in 2004, when Yokohama, Nagoya, and Matsumoto took part.

Japan's Own Rules

Car Free Day is originally part of urban transport policy led by local governments, but in Japan, as an exception, events organized by citizens' groups can also take part. It is also permitted to hold the event on Autumnal Equinox Day, around the 23rd, rather than on the 22nd.

Things to Know About Car Free Day

• Not the same as "No Car Day": Japan's "No Car Day" (No My-Car Day) asks people to avoid driving to work and so on; it is different from Car Free Day, which restricts traffic in city centers so people can experience a car-free town.
• Weekly car-free days: Some cities, such as Jakarta, hold car-free days every week.
• Bogotá's huge event: In Bogotá, Colombia, a citywide weekday car-free day has been held since February 2000, and it was institutionalized by a public vote.
• September 22 is recommended: Today the event may be held on any day of Mobility Week, but local governments doing a single-day event are encouraged to hold it on September 22.

Ideas for World Car Free Day

• Get around by public transport, on foot, or by bicycle today.
• Get off one stop early and enjoy some different scenery on the walk.
• Check your bicycle's tire pressure and brakes.
• Notice how walkable your town is—its sidewalks, benches, and shade.

Step Out of the Car and the City Looks Different

September 22nd is a day to rethink car-centered travel a little and experience the city on your own feet. Even a familiar route may reveal new shops and signs of the changing season when you walk it. Why not take a slow stroll around town today?