World Day Without Car: When is it and how to celebrate it

World without a car is celebrated each September 22 As part of a global movement that promotes sustainable mobility, an increasing priority in the agenda of governments as a public policy, and the reduction of the use of private cars. This date coincides with the Sustainable Mobility Weekwhich is carried out from September 16 to 22, and aims to make visible and promote the use of more friendly means of environment such as walking, riding by bicycle and using public transport. These alternative means improve the use and appreciation of public space by citizens.

The formal celebration of World without a car began in the nineties in several European cities and their roots date back to the oil crisis of the seventieswhen the shortage of fossil fuels promoted the search for alternatives and led to question the massive use of the car.

And what is the objective of having one day without cars? One of the main reasons for which World Day is celebrated without a car arises from the need to reduce negative environmental impact That cars have on the planet and promote more active and healthy lifestyles, considering that, almost three out of four usual displacements are produced by motor vehicle. Private cars generate a large number of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), which are one of the main factors that contribute to global warming and, therefore, climate change.

Besides, Mass use of cars brings problems such as traffic congestion, increased noise pollution, decreased air quality and increased traffic accidents. Did you know that due to the number of motor vehicles that circulate in different cities such as Barcelona, ​​people are exposed to environmental pollution levels that exceed those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)?

On the other hand and not least, this day also seeks Improve people’s quality of lifesince not only contributes to human health (reducing stress, reducing blood pressure and the probability of contracting cardiovascular diseases, strengthening muscles, among others) but also increases road safety, reducing the risk of accidents.

Participating in World No Car is an active way to support sustainable mobility and reduce the personal carbon footprint. Here are some ways to celebrate this day:

• Use public transport: Public transport is much more efficient than the private car in terms of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and reduction in traffic congestion. When opting for buses, trains, subtes or trams instead of using the private car, the number of vehicles in circulation decreases, which significantly reduces polluting emissions and relieves the saturation of the tracks.
• Use the bicycle or walk: These options have benefits for both human health and for the environment. Walking or riding are not only active forms of transport that help improve physical condition, reduce diseases such as cardiovascular, reduce stress and increase general well -being, but contribute to creating quieter urban environments, less congested, noisy and with better air quality.
• Share the car (carpooling): If for any reason it is essential to use the car, share it with other people is a way to optimize its use and reduce the total number of vehicles in circulation. In this way, resources are saved and emissions are reduced.
• Reflect on your transport habits: This day is an excellent opportunity to think about how you could integrate more sustainable mobility habits in your daily life such as opting for the use of the bicycle in short distances until planning routes on foot to exercise.
• Participate in training courses: In many countries there are training courses that provide concepts and tools in relation to this day. An example is the training courses in the responsible use of the bicycle or those related to sustainable mobility or urban planning.
• Disseminate information: Contributing to awareness about the importance of world day without a car can have a positive impact. Share information on social networks, organize or participate in local events related to the day, and talk with friends and family about the benefits of reducing the use of the car and adopting sustainable transport alternatives.

Now that you know when World Day is without a car, we recommend you read these articles about the less contaminated cities of the world and sustainable development: what is and examples.

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