My colleagues are busy in Dhaka, and in various cities around India and elsewhere, as we plan and carry out celebrations for World Carfree Day (22 September).

Our events include various types of playful activities in the streets, to raise awareness of how much more space—and fun—we could have if our streets weren’t clogged with cars. Here in Dhaka, we began on the 20th with a walking rally to call attention to the importance of walking as a basic human right, and will continue with a cycle rally on the 24th and a parklet demonstration (small park in a car parking space) on the 26th.

We got lots of participants with disabilities to join in the walking rally, and were featured in some newspapers (including the major Bengali daily) and on TV news. We hope to get lots more coverage on the 22nd, especially as this year the Government of Bangladesh is celebrating the day, for the first time ever. It is great to see all the enthusiasm as people prepare for the events, and I look forward to finding ways to ensure that the enthusiasm and activities continue throughout the year!