Car-less for a day

M. S. MEGHA

Car Free Day is celebrated on September 22. The concept, which originated during the 1960s emerged as a strong movement during the 1990s in the U.K. and Germany. Busy shopping streets were closed to four wheeled vehicles. This was done to reduce traffic jams and to enhance pedestrians' easy mobility. No one then thought that this might be the beginning of Car Free Day, Car Free Cities and Car Free Societies. Gradually this perception gained popularity in the U.K. and Germany.

September 22 is not a day without cars but also a day to think of other means of transport which are as comfortable as cars but eco-friendly too. Throughout the world about 200 cities celebrate September 22 as Car Free Day as a gesture to ensure mobility without compromising the quality of life. This European concept has caught on and more cities are observing the day now.

In Germany and other European countries, the concept is so effective that policy makers are planning and encouraging mass transportation, car free housing complexes and car free extensions. Their aim is to make citizens understand that more cars mean more air pollution, more noise pollution, more disease, more car parking in front of houses, implying less space for children to play and walk.

As the Car Free Day idea caught on, environmentalists, town planners and social workers started analysing the problems of numerous cars from different angles. This analysis revealed many interesting facts like: (a) the governments have neglected the public transport system. (b) Pedestrians and cyclists are getting a raw deal. (c) In the U.S. many of the cities and suburbs are the world's most pedestrian hostile environments. Nearly 50 to 70 per cent of the U.S. down-town space is allotted to traffic lanes, parking lots, garages, gas stations and car parking. (d) In Berlin, cars take nearly 50 times as much space as do playgrounds for children.

These facts have further strengthened the need for a Car Free Day and the perception widened to Car Free Cities and Car Free Societies. Although these new concepts are in a nascent stage it will not be long before they become reality.

In France, the Ministry of Land Planning and Environment launched a nationwide operation in which 35 French towns responded and organised a "In Town Without My car" day on September 22, 1998. The next year 66 French towns, 92 Italian towns and the Canton of Geneva participated in the first European "In Town Without My Car" day. On the day these towns banned vehicular traffic in certain areas and only public transport, vehicles like cycles and of course, pedestrians were allowed. The average number of people using the transport network increased by 10 per cent on that day. Some cities even registered an increase of up to 90 per cent more cyclists.

After observing the success of "In Town Without My Car" movement, the European Union, European Commission and Directorate General for Environment have decided to provide political and financial support for organising a similar day in Europe. Since Car Free Day movement turned out to be eco friendly , several political and government institutions in Europe are lending support. A few of these institutions like the French Ministry of Land and Environment, Italian Ministry of Environment, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, the Italian Agency for the Environment, the New Technology and Energy Management, the Climate Alliance of European Cities and the Car-Free Cities Network in Europe support it financially and politically.

The amazing success of this movement in Europe has inspired other countries. The residents of Bogota, Columbia, observed Car Free Day on February 24, 2000. On this occasion the Bogota Mayor participated and said "by January 2015 everyone should use the public transport or cycles during the morning and evening three rush hours." This initiative of Bogota is to be appreciated, because only 14 per cent of the city's residents own a car, which is much less than many cities in India.

What about India's thoughts in this direction.In Delhi, there is as yet no move to observe such a day. Some of the facts about Delhi's traffic conditions strengthen this conclusion. A recent survey of the Delhi's traffic has revealed that

(a) After the Supreme Court's direction during 1997, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests made a proposal for "provision for bicycle tracks" but till date nothing has been done.

(b) From 1957 to 1994 bicycling had declined from 36 per cent to a mere 6.6 per cent, whereas the use of buses, which are a public transport system, increased from 22 per cent to 62 per cent. During the same period transportation by car has also declined from 10 per cent to seven per cent. These figures seem to imply the popularity of mass transportation. But in reality it is the cars which are eating up space in Delhi in the form of separate lane traffic, garages at home and at public places and showrooms. Cars pollute the environment at a faster rate than do bicycles or mass transport vehicles.

(c) An interesting aspect of Delhi's traffic is that 30 per cent of all bus trips, 44 per cent of all scooter trips, 60 per cent of all three wheeler trips, 33 per cent of car trips, 43 per cent of taxi trips, and 71 per cent of bicycle trips are under five km range. So, about a million trips in Delhi have the potential to be converted into bicycle trips and thus reduce congestion and pollution.

In India, where owning a car is sometimes for social status than necessity, it is time that we think and act for the success of a Car Free Day.

The success of the initiative will depend on awareness and involvement. Everyone, including shopkeepers, businessmen, students, professionals, administrators, housewives, children, company owners, need to be involved in movements like this for greater mobility and a better quality of life.

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