World day without a car: history and experience of different countries

More recently, more and more countries celebrate World No Car Day annually. What is the reason for the appearance of this date and what events occur in different countries? We will observe the conduct of this day in various parts of the country and the world.

History of the action

In 1973, at the height of the fuel crisis, the Swiss authorities offered citizens to spend one day without a car, using bicycles and public transport. A few years later, there was an idea to make an annual action, calling for less frequent use of personal vehicles. The idea was picked up by different cities: Reykjavik, Bath, La Rochelle and others. The action gained popularity in connection with the environmental situation and as a means of promoting healthy lifestyles. "Give up the car for at least one day, strengthen your health on foot or by bike, take public transport and reduce the flow of cars" - so urged car owners to participate in events.

In 1994, it was proposed to hold a World car-free day on September 22, this initiative was supported by many countries of the European Union. In Russia, such a campaign was first held in 2008.

World day without a car in different countries

Within the framework of the Day without a car, countries offer various actions motivating drivers to leave their "iron horses" at home for at least one day a year. In many cities, the cost of travel by public transport is reduced, the cost of travel by metro is almost halved.

Following the example of San Francisco, more and more countries are conducting a demonstration on September 22: cyclists in bright suits ride along the streets of the city on a par with cars, demonstrating that this mode of transportation is more environmentally friendly and healthy, and does not interfere with motorists at all.

Many countries on this day restrict the entry of cars into the city, forcing their owners to walk on foot.

With the development of social networks, the support of the action with photos is gaining popularity. It is suggested to take a picture of yourself walking or riding a bicycle and put it on the network with a hashtag, for example, "# daybezauto" (each country has its own variants).

In Russia, the action is more popular in provincial cities than in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but the fans of the Day without a car every year becomes more and more.

Media Coverage

World day without a car every year is becoming more popular. How do the supporters of the action attract attention to it?

First of all, of course, with the help of the media. A healthy lifestyle is now in vogue, and the stories of doctors from television screens or pages of magazines remind how much damage humanity causes a huge number of cars. This and the harmful effects of exhaust gases, and muscle weakness due to low mobility, and nervous system disorders due to permanent traffic jams and numerous accidents.

Articles on the web lead and arguments from an economic point of view. The maintenance of the car is a purchase of gasoline, repair, technical inspections, various gadgets. Even one day of travel on public transport will significantly save the budget. And if you get on foot or by bike - so it's completely free.

Environmentalists, concerned about the deplorable state of the environment, which is exacerbated by the emission of exhaust gases, conducted a motivating study. It turns out that in Moscow alone, due to the fact that the World Day without a car was held on September 22, 2014, the air has become cleaner by as much as 15%!

Work with the younger generation

For several years now, Russian schools have been carrying out special events that call on the younger generation to do without vehicles at least once a year. World day without a car in the school - it's an interesting classroom clock, issue of wall newspaper, competitions in biking, running for various distances and hiking. Children are invited to medical workers who tell how much more beneficial for the body, for example, to walk to school, rather than go by car.

In many cities they tell what a World Day without a car is in a kindergarten. Educators tell the children what can damage the car, conduct outdoor games, and also encourage parents to join the action.

Opinion of the population

World day without a car has both fans and ardent opponents. Someone with pleasure refuses personal transport for one day, someone does not consider this possible. Of course, every inhabitant of the Earth is concerned about environmental problems and understands that millions of tons of exhaust gases worsen the situation every day. Count all and the money that is spent on the maintenance and maintenance of even the most simple car.

But according to surveys, only a small part of the drivers are ready to give up their personal vehicle for at least one day, not to mention making it a lifestyle. A car is comfort, it is an opportunity to get from one part of the city to another in the shortest possible time. For parents with children, your own car is an indispensable assistant, thanks to which you can have time for kindergarten, school, work, and numerous groups and sections.

But still the idea that in some cases you can do without a car deserves attention. And I would like to hope that giving up a personal car for at least one day a year will become a tradition that will benefit people and help solve environmental problems.