Car Free Cities- the future of travel

Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty. ― John Ruskin

From London to Paris and Seoul to New York, numerous renowned cities worldwide are grappling with a crisis of their own making: Cars are causing chaos, congesting streets, and exacerbating air pollution. While many big cities are looking for solutions ranging from diesel bans to pedestrian-only zones, we're more interested in cities focused on the future- a car-free future.

Car-free cities have manifested in diverse ways. Some historic city centers have prohibited cars to combat pollution and boost tourism. Some towns have resisted modernization out of necessity; the narrow lanes of Fes-al-Bali in Morocco render driving modern cars impractical. Additionally, remote rural villages with modest populations rely on boats, donkeys, and bicycles for transportation, creating car-free environments by default.

And then there are the canal cities—Venice, for instance—where water is not just a feature but a way of life. However, whether residents travel by gondola or horse-drawn carriage, these towns offer a change of pace from the whirling engines and constant traffic of other big cities.

Here are 12 examples of car-free cities around the world

A medical doctor by profession, Lores revolutionized the city, attracting new residents and businesses. At the time of writing, he continues in his role as mayor.

The alterations he made have had an amazingly positive impact. The city has seen CO2 emissions reduce by over 70%, and in 2016, the police in Pontevedra did not issue a single speeding ticket.

While not without difficulties, the initiatives have largely succeeded. The greatest success? A change in people's mindset. Cars are seen as guests on the streets.

How Pontevedra Became Car-Free

• 1999: Realisation that traffic was causing congestion, pollution, and diminishing quality of life. Thus, the experimentation of pedestrianizing certain streets and limiting vehicle access started.
• 2007: “Peatonalización del Casco Historico” (Pedestrianisation of the History Centre) is launched, gaining huge momentum. The largely car-free city center permits only essential services and residents' vehicles. Widened sidewalks and pedestrian plazas were implemented.
• 2009: Introduction of "Zona 30" (30km/h Zone). Increases in road safety and promotion of alternative transportation modes.
• Ongoing: The city remains committed to its car-free vision with continuous public transportation improvements and sustainable urban planning.

The city comprises more than 100 islands, each separated by canals. Small bridges and footpaths primarily connect these islands. While its unique build is suitable for pedestrian and bike paths and a fun adventure for tourists, it's not functional for modern cars.

Quite simply, it is a city that wasn't built with cars in mind. Venice evolved unusually, not needing automobiles and never seeing their widespread adoption. On land today, walking and cycling are the preferred ways to navigate its winding streets.

How Venice Became Car-Free

• 5th Century: City founded on a series of islands. The absence of land leads to the development of a city built around canals.
• Middle Ages: Venice grows into a powerful maritime republic, where boats and gondolas serve as the primary modes of transport.
• 19th-20th Century: Steam and subsequent motor-powered boats threaten cities' delicate canal architecture. Efforts to restrict usage are part of the 'preservation' of Venice.
• Ongoing: Still predominantly a water-dependent lifestyle. The absence of cars is celebrated, and it helps preserve its cultural heritage.

However, the most impressive aspect is attitude. Groningen hosts cycling events, campaigns, and workshops celebrating and promoting cycling. The educational initiatives for children and adults help to create a cycling-conscious community.

Some zones are entirely car-free, and others have heavily restricted car access. But, most importantly, people want to cycle.

How Groningen Became Car-Free

• 1977: Groningen introduces a traffic plan to limit car access to the city center and promote cycling/public transport.
• 1980s: Investment in cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and paths. Cycling is encouraged as a primary mode of transport.
• 1990s: Expansion of existing network, secure parking facilities.
• 2000s: Car-free zones, traffic calming measures, incentives for cycling.
• 2010s: Integrated transport system that combines cycling and public transport.
• Ongoing: Cycling is deeply ingrained in Groningen's identity, not just for residents but for students as well. As of 2015, it boasted the cleanest air of any Dutch city.

In fact, it's so successful that some residents have started to put their chairs out in the summer to sit on the pavements and talk. The streets, one resident said, have become 'living.'

This is actually part of Ghent's goals to work towards a 'child and youth-friendly' city, where reducing the number of cars in cities makes kids happier and safer.

How Ghent Became Car-Free

• 1996: Ghent begins implementing pedestrian zones and reducing car access, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists.
• 2007: Expansion of pedestrian zones, introducing car-free areas in other parts of the center.
• 2017: Introduction of the 'Circulatieplan' to make a more people-centric city. Zone management and widespread restriction of car access.
• Unique/Interesting: Occasional on 'Car-free Sundays' cyclists, pedestrians, and even skateboarders are given "free rein" in the city center. The city was chosen for 'Velo-city' 2024 (world cycling summit).

Cars, interestingly, were banned very early on. Concerns about noise were raised in the late 19th century, leading to the decision to ban cars entirely.

The story goes that in 1898, the first 'horseless carriage' made its way onto the island by ferry boat. Apparently, the first encounter between horse and horseless carriage was so chaotic that businessmen filed a petition with the village council to ban them.

Since then, the continual absence of cars has helped preserve the island's charm. It continues to be a popular tourist destination, where tourists and residents alike navigate by bike and horse-drawn carriage.

How Mackinac Island Became Car-Free

• Late 1800s: The island gains popularity as a summer resort. Concerns about the potential impact of automobiles on the island's natural beauty and atmosphere
• 1896: The first known automobile to arrive on the island.
• 1898: After a 'chaotic' meeting of horse and horseless carriage, the council passed a motion banning automobiles from the island.
• 2023: Mackinac Island celebrates 125 years of being car-free.
• Unique/Interesting: The Island's car-free status is part of its appeal to tourists who want to experience a populated but peaceful environment.

Instead of cars, locals and tourists prefer traditional modes of transport, such as bicycles and donkeys. Partially due to the absence of cars, Lamu is widely considered one of the best-preserved examples of a Swahili settlement in East Africa.

More recently, there have been discussions about introducing motorized vehicles to Lamu for emergency services and airport shuttles; however, concerns remain about how this could impact the town's unique heritage.

How Lamu Became Car-Free

• 11th-12th Century: Lamu is established as a center of trade; an intersection between different cultures.
• Pre-Modern Era: Urban design with narrow streets and pathways that were built for pedestrians and donkeys. Little modernization of infrastructure means this never changed, so cars remain impractical.
• 2001: Lamu's old town is named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Problems: Difficulties remain, such as with emergency services. Boat ambulances were recently introduced alongside existing measures to reduce journey times to major hospitals.

There are some inconveniences. Fires on the island are a regular occurrence and can be a challenge to deal with. The solution in the town? Grab a bucket and help out.

Today, Hydra is celebrated for its lack of cars. Despite daily inconveniences (like not being able to cycle!), it is praised as a peaceful and largely silent utopia.

How Hydra Became Car-Free

• 18th Century: Hydra was a significant naval power known for its maritime trade and shipbuilding.
• Early 20th Century: Cars became more popular on the mainland but proved impractical on the island.
• 1950s: Presidential decree rules that wheel vehicles cannot be used there.
• 1960s: The Mayor proposed introducing cars but is met with strong opposition.
• Today: The lack of cars has made Hydra an excellent tourist destination for those wanting a day trip from Athens. Walking, donkeys, and water taxis remain the primary means of transport on the island.

It's a great destination for an eco-friendly getaway, and the lack of privately owned cars certainly adds to its charm. Take in the mountain views, spend the afternoon hiking and the evening exploring the town center.

Just an hour south of Zermatt, is the beautiful but lesser-known, Lauterbrunnen Valley. Here you can find Wengen and Murren, two gorgeous car-free towns.

Wengen is a charming mountainside town with beautiful views of Lauterbrunnen mountain.

Reached by a short train ride (or a longer, challenging hike) from Lauterbrunnen, Wengen has lovely hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Murren, on the other side of the Jungrau Valley, accessible by cable car, is equally as beautiful and quaint as Wengen. You can also reach Mt. Shilthorn in minutes from Murren and enjoy the unforgettable views from its famous revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, the backdrop of the famed action scenes from the 1967 James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”

This heavenly valley boasts breathtaking views and is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise in any season. You can reach Wengen and Murren by train, cable car, on foot, by hiking trail.

Annie Pezza, founder of Pinerary, was in awe of this beautiful region during her 2023 summer trip to Switzerland. “You’ll discover shades of green you’ve never seen before. Ethereal is a word I've used to describe these magical alpine villages. I cannot wait to visit again in the winter!”

How Zermatt Became Car-Free

• 19th Century: Zermatt attracts mountaineers and tourists for its alpine landscapes.
• Late 19th Century: The advent of railways leads to greater accessibility,
• 1960s – 1970s: Discussions about the negative effects of car traffic on the local environment gain momentum.
• 1980s – 1980s: Promotion of alternative means of transport.
• 1991: Private cars are officially banned from entering the village.
• Today: Walking is the best way to get around, but bikes and electric taxis are extremely popular.

Here, cars are allowed, but the speed limit is three miles an hour, so they must give priority to pedestrians and cannot park on the street. The solution to removing cars, it seems, is to remove parking spots.

The result? Kids play in the street and can learn how to ride a bike in peace. Now, what kind of a Utopia wouldn't have that?

How Vauban/Freiburg Became Car-Free

• 1950s-1990s: Vauban district was a French military base used after WWII. Occupation continues until the early 90's.
• Late 1990s: Plans developed to convert the base into a residential area. Sustainability and innovative urban design run at the core.
• Early 2000s: Vauban begins its transformation into a car free community. Public transport improved, and pedestrians and bikes were prioritized.
• Mid-2000s: The concept of limited parking was embraced, and shared parking was pushed to the outer edges of the district. Communal green spaces are incorporated to promote a sense of community.
• 2005-2010: Residents participate in designing and redesigning the district. Vauban becomes a sustainable model for clean, green urban living without cars.
• Today: While only a neighborhood of Freiburg, Vauban is truly a testament to what is possible. Cars, whilst not banned, are quite simply not necessary for most people. The district is not just a role model for the rest of the city but for the world.

One of the most interesting principles in Oslo is "Vision Zero," a road safety philosophy that there should be no fatalities or serious accidents from road traffic accidents.

With Vision Zero as a goal, road safety is taken extremely seriously. There have been huge changes implemented, from restructuring roads and bike lanes, to investment in public transportation.

Pedestrians are protected with initiatives that install safer crossings and lower speed limits for cars, resulting in fewer fatalities on the road.

After a considerable effort, in 2019, Oslo achieved Vision Zero, something that all cities can learn from.

How Oslo Became Car-Free

• 1980s-1990s: Efforts to improve air quality and address car dependency began, and pedestrian streets/car-free zones were established.
• 2000s: Focus on improving public transport (trams, buses, trains). Cycling infrastructure expanded with dedicated bike lanes and bike-sharing programs.
• 2010s: Oslo commits to having a car-free center by 2019 (Car-free Livability Program).
• 2014: Jan Gelh conducted a survey on public life in Oslo, identifying heavy traffic, disused public spaces, lack of basic infrastructure (benches, fountains), and a lack of green space. This ignites a movement to 'increase city life.'
• Current: The city, though not car-free, has "basically no cars." The key? Removing parking spots and replacing them with bike lanes. The gradual approach but ultimately the successful one.

Similarly to other successful models in Europe, the emphasis is not necessarily on eradicating cars but instead on promoting alternative means of transport.

The canals provide perfect waterways to transport goods and people, and there are plenty of bike parking facilities for those who wish to explore on two wheels.

Admittedly, Giethoorn is small enough to be traversed by foot largely. Leaving your bike outside the village and strolling through is probably more enjoyable.

While not a city, Giethoorn can show us what a car-free environment can (and should!) look and feel like.

How Giethoorn Became Car-Free

• 13th Century: Giethoorn was founded by southern European settlers, and canals were dug for transportation and peat extraction.
• 18th Century: The construction of bridges that connect different pieces of land began.
• 1958: The popular comedy "Fanfare" shot in the village, saw an increase in popularity.
• Interesting: As of 2020, fewer than 3000 people were living there, but more than 1,000,000 annual tourists.

The city has introduced Greenwave for cyclists with enormous success. Essentially, this encourages cyclists by synchronizing traffic lights and allowing a continuous flow of traffic, meaning reduced journey times and less frequent stopping.

It’s a livable, pedestrian friendly city that isn’t entirely car-free, but is nevertheless a global model for cities seeking to move away from car dependency.

How Copenhagen Became Car-Free

• 1962: The first pedestrian street, Stroget, began a shift to pedestrian prioritization in the center.
• 1990s: Car-free zones introduced, including in historic districts. Car access is heavily restricted or prohibited.
• 2002: Launch of ‘Bicycle Strategy’, where cycling is promoted as the preferred mode of transport. Cycling infrastructure expanded with protected bike lanes and sharing programs.
• 2012: ‘Greenwave’ introduced for cyclists on Nørrebrogade, a busy street in a major shopping district. Traffic lights are synchronized to provide a continuous flow of greens for cyclists traveling at a specific speed.
• Ongoing: The success of Greenwave has prompted the city to expand the initiative. Cycling continues to be the best way to traverse the city.