World Carfree Day (WCD)
Every year on or around 22 September, people from around the world get together in the streets, intersections, and neighbourhood blocks to remind the world that we don't have to accept our car-dominated society.
But we do not want just one day of celebration and then a return to "normal" life. When people get out of their cars, they should stay out of their cars. It is up to us, it is up to our cities, and our governments to help create permanent change to benefit pedestrians, cyclists, and other people who do not drive cars.
Let World Carfree Day be a showcase for just how our cities might look like, feel like, and sound like without cars…365 days a year.
As the climate heats up, World Carfree Day is the perfect time to take the heat off the planet, and put it on city planners and politicians to give priority to cycling, walking and public transport, instead of to the automobile.
So take the time, browse the links and resources provided, and join in on the celebrations!
World Carfree Day events around the world
WCN volunteers cannot possibly update online all the countless festivities taking place from Colombia to China, but an events list is being maintained by our friends at infocarfreeday.com. Simply send info about your local event to:
You can view the listings here.
The role of WCN
WCN promotes carfree day activities, but does not organise World Carfree Day itself. We provide information and guidance (see above), and are dependent on our supporters submitting details of local events to us or our colleagues at infocarfreeday.net, followed up by evaluation reports after the event each year.
Please also be aware that WCD is a decentralised event: no single spokesperson has a global overview of all activities.
Becoming active and organising a carfree day:
Check out our resources and find inspiration there. Find potential allies in your neighbourhood / town. A general tip is to get the local authority and shop owners on your side as early as possible, generally nine months before the event, if you intend to close streets to private cars for the day.
We hope to see you on the streets!
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