More than 1,000 cities in 40 countries are today taking part in World Carfree Day 2009, an event first organised in Britain by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).
World Car Free Day, or ‘In town without my car day’ as it is referred to in Britain, takes place every year on 22nd September as an international celebration of environmentally-sensitive transport. Today will see motorists in over nineteen British towns and cities leaving their cars at home in favour of bicycles, trains and buses.
A spokesperson for the ETA said: “The number of cars and urban traffic is constantly increasing, and the associated noise, air pollution and stress is eroding the quality of life of urban dwellers. Car Free Day focuses on highlighting alternatives to car travel, the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, and the need for more and better public transport.”
“We do not want to put cars on trial or to condemn the desire for mobility – the idea is to reconsider urban transport with the prospect of sharing streets more efficiently.”
Car Free Day 2009 – find your local event in Britain
Location
Event date / time
Event details
More info / contact details
Bath and North East Somerset
22nd September 2009
Encouraging people to use sustainable forms of transport
Click for more info. Contact 01225 394041
Blackpool
22nd September 2009
–
Click for more info. Contact 01253 476260
Brighton & Hove
20th September 12 to 5pm
The Lanes, New Road, Jubilee Street and Jubilee Square will be made into pedestrian friendly areas with live music, performances and activities. People are encouraged to walk, cycle or get the bus to the event
Click for more info. Contact 01273 290000
Camden, London
11th September 11am to 3pm
Great Queen Street will be closed to motor traffic between Wild Street and Newton Street
Click for more info. Contact 020 7974 2520
Chichester
September 2009
Encouraging people to walk or use public transport instead of their car
Click for more info. Contact airquality@chichester.gov.uk
Coventry
22nd September 2009
Encouraging people to use sustainable transport where possible
Click for more info. Contact joanne.rainbow@coventry.gov.uk
Devon
22nd September 2009
Encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly methods of travel instead of their car. Organisations which help employees to take part will be entered into a prize draw worth £1000 to be spent on green travel initiatives for employees such as bicycle storage
Click for more info. Contact 01392 382089
Dunbar
22nd September 2009
–
Click for more info
Eastbourne
22nd September 2009
–
Click for more info. Contact 0800 980 0901
Greenwich
–
Exploring car free travel options
Click for more info. Contact 020 8854 8888
Harrogate
22nd September 2009
Free early breakfast for bus commuters, education car in schools and bike ride through town at 5pm
Click for more info. Contact harrogatecarfreeday@hotmail.com
Kidderminster
19th September 2009
Road closure all day on the 19th of September on Worcester Street up to Bromsgrove Street and New Road junction
Click for more info. Contact 01562 732572
Leytonstone
20th September 2009 1pm – 7pm
Leytonstone Town Centre will be closed to traffic with live music and entertainment
Click for more info. Contact wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Monmouth
19th & 20th September 2009
buses will be free, there will be electric bicycles for people to try, a parade of harness horses and a pedestrian/cycle rally
tbc
Stockport
22nd September 2009
Stockport will hold an event to celebrate the day
Click for more info. Contact sustainable.travel@stockport.gov.uk
Stoke
22nd September 2009
Unlimited bus travel for £1
Click for more info. Contact carfreeday@stoke.gov.uk
Westminster, London
22nd September 2009
Public exhibitions on wayfinding for pedestrians and cyclists. Road closure (road to be confirmed).
Click for more info. Contact 020 76412016
Wigan
17-23 September 2009
Road show to encourage people not to use their car on car free day and to use alternative transport such as public transport
Click for more info. Contact 01942 244991
Woking
22nd September 2009
Cycling events in schools and new cycle shelters will be opened in the town centre and schools
Click for more info. Contact 01483 519147
York
22nd September 2009
Encouraging people to use more sustainable transport for the day instead of your car. You can apply for a free day ticket for all local First buses in York
Click for more info. Contact yorkcarfree@york.gov.uk
Find out about the ETA’s pivotal role in spreading this concept throughout Britain The origins of Car Free Day
For background information, the plans throughout Britain and advice for both current and future participants In Town Without My Car homepage
Any questions? contact us.
What is the ETA?
The ETA is an ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products – including a specialised service for electric vehicles.
Information correct at time of publication.
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