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Get ready to hit the streets and enjoy a day without cars on Car-free Sunday, happening this September 22! This event originated in Belgium in the late 1970s as a way to promote alternative modes of transportation and reduce air pollution. Since then, it has spread to cities all over the world, with people coming together to walk, bike, and skate through their car-free neighborhoods. It's not only good for the environment, but it also encourages a sense of community and allows for new experiences and perspectives. So grab your walking shoes or your bike and join in on this fun and eco-friendly celebration!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1970s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Car-Free Sunday Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Car-Free Sunday concept originated in Belgium as a public awareness campaign to promote alternative forms of transportation.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1992</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>European Car-Free Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The European Union launched a continent-wide Car-Free Day campaign every 22nd of September to encourage the reduction of air pollution.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>Car-Free Sunday gains recognition and begins to be celebrated in cities worldwide, such as Jakarta, Ottawa, and Bogota.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2011</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Brussels Car-Free Sunday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Brussels introduces a Car-Free Sunday, drawing 150,000 participants in the first year, making it one of the biggest car-free events worldwide.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>London's Car-Free Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>London joins the movement, hosting its first Car-Free Day, closing 50 streets around Tower Bridge and London Bridge to traffic.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a car-free picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and have a picnic in a park or other outdoor space. Bring along some snacks, games, and enjoy the car-free atmosphere while spending time with loved ones.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore your city by foot or bike</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the car-free streets and explore your city by walking or biking. You may discover new places and hidden gems that you wouldn't have seen if you were in a car.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities organize events on Car-free Sunday, such as street fairs, concerts, and farmers markets. Check out what's happening in your area and join in on the festivities!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a car-free day challenge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Challenge yourself to go the entire day without using a car. This can be a fun and eco-friendly way to celebrate Car-free Sunday and reduce your carbon footprint.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer for a car-free initiative</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support the car-free movement by volunteering for a local initiative, such as helping to organize car-free events or promoting alternative modes of transportation in your community.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Car-free Sunday is a great way to encourage people to try alternative modes of transportation such as biking, walking or public transit. Not only does this reduce air pollution and carbon emissions, but it also promotes a more active and healthy lifestyle for individuals!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Car-free Sunday, streets are closed off to cars and become open spaces for people to walk, bike, play, and socialize. This creates a sense of community and encourages interactions between neighbors and strangers alike, making it a great opportunity to meet new people and strengthen relationships.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It gives the environment a break</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Cars are one of the primary sources of air pollution in cities. By having one day each week without cars on the roads, we can significantly reduce emissions and give the environment a much-needed break. It's a small but impactful way to contribute to the health of our planet.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Car-Free Sunday can improve local economies</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown an increase in retail sales on streets that go car-free for the day. This encourages local shopping and supports small businesses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Car-Free Sunday also means noise-free Sunday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Cars not only contribute to air pollution but also to noise pollution. A day without cars reduces noise levels significantly, providing a quieter environment and improving the mental health of residents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The concept has roots in the 1973 oil crisis</h3><p class='facts-content'>The idea of Car-Free Sunday originally started in Europe during the Oil Embargo of 1973 as an effort to conserve oil. Cities such as Amsterdam and La Rochelle were pioneers in implementing car-free days.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Car-free spaces become creative cultural hubs</h3><p class='facts-content'>With streets closed to traffic, outdoor performances, food festivals, art exhibits, and recreational activities often take place. This encourages cultural exchange and vibrant community interactions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It promotes road safety and awareness</h3><p class='facts-content'>Empty roads are safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and Car-Free Sunday encourages residents to understand and appreciate the importance of road safety.</p></div></div>
Car-free Sunday is celebrated on September 22 every year. In 2024 Car-free Sunday will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 22
Friday
2024
Sep 22
Sunday
2025
Sep 22
Monday
2026
Sep 22
Tuesday
2027
Sep 22
Wednesday
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