Project
Description
The Carfree Cities Alliance (CCA) aims to enhance the local environment, support local economies, and improve public health by prioritizing people's needs over personal motorized vehicles. While some view the shift from traditional to electric cars as a way to address climate issues, the CCA believes that creating truly livable cities requires an immediate departure from unsustainable lifestyles, particularly the prevalent car culture. The CCA advocates for a comprehensive shift toward walking and cycling (non-motorized transport, NMT) and reallocating spaces dominated by cars. This approach will result in vibrant civic areas and pedestrian spaces that foster a welcoming and safe environment. Furthermore, transitioning to walking and cycling will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance the physical environment and public health, and bolster local economies.
Key CCA activities include:
- Advocating for car-free cities through a growing global network of like-minded organizations and individuals. The CCA directly engages with each partner, offering advice, information, and networking opportunities. Alongside regular consultations, the CCA provides tools and information to support local initiatives. Partners are located in South Asia, central and southern Africa, Europe, and South America.
- Supporting members by providing online information and resources for those interested in car-free cities. The Carfree Cities Academy, a collaboration with ISTEP, conducts regular webinar sessions featuring inspirational figures from the realm of livable streets and car-free cities. Topics cover a wide variety of topics including street design, transformation, awareness-raising, and campaigning. The CCA also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter. To subscribe, visit the website: www.carfreealliance.org. For inquiries, email downtown@carfreealliance.org.
Project
Expected Results
- Increased awareness of the concept of car-free cities
- Increased number of organizations and individuals connected to CCA and the car-free movement
- Enhanced knowledge, technical skills, and capacity of members in the CCA network and the wider population to address transportation, environmental, social and economic issues, and health concerns
- Increased number of local organizations and individuals prioritizing car-free cities and sustainable mobility
- Strengthened capacity of local networks and alliances
- Increased media awareness of the concept of car-free cities