Five cities take part in World Car Free Day

As part of World Car Free Day on September 22, this week will see many cities around the world holding events and providing information to encourage motorists to leave the car at home and instead try alternative and sustainable forms of transport.

Many cities such as Jakarta, Bogota, and Penang have car-free days throughout the year, but this Thursday will see about 1,500 cities in 40 countries also get involved in the car-free movement in an effort to reduce traffic, noise, and pollution, and give locals a chance to enjoy a more peaceful walk through their city's streets.

Paris, France

September 25 will see France's capital go car-free in each of its 20 arrondissements for Paris Sans Voiture, providing Parisians with more than 650km of roads to stroll through this Sunday. 

A 'Parade Sans Moteur' (Parade Without Motors) will also be held to celebrate the occasion, which will welcome bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and even wheelbarrows for the parade, which will meet on the banks of the Seine for a giant "zero waste" picnic in keeping with the day's eco-friendly theme.

Brussels, Belgium

Known as Mobility Week in Brussels, the country will use September 16 to 22, to teach everyone alternative ways of getting around the city, including cycling, rollerskating and public transport.

Activities will be held throughout the week including bicycle rides to give those who might normally use their car a chance to explore on two wheels instead of four.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal is just one of the cities in the Canadian province of Quebec participating in 'Défi sans auto solo' on September 21.

Rather than being a completely car-free day, instead the event encourages employees and students to get to their place of work or education using a sustainable mode of transport, including public transport, carpooling, walking, cycling, or even rollerblading. Designed as a friendly competition for some extra motivation to leave the car at home, the event has prizes up for grabs for those who take part. 

San José, Costa Rica

'Día sin carro Costa Rica' is the country's own version of World Car Free Day, and will see the capital of San José join capital cities around the world in going car-free.

The event's Facebook page has been publishing challenges to encourage people to leave the car at home and try an alternative form of transport, with people, companies, and even government officials publicly accepting and pledging to leave their cars at home this September 22. 

Washington DC, USA

The Washington metropolitan area is encouraging its residents to go car-free or "car-lite" this Thursday by offering the chance of a prize for those who agree to take up the challenge. Just fill in the pledge form on the website then without your car or sharing the ride with friends or neighbors. Those who are already car free can also enter.