Tuesday September 22 is World Carfree Day!

World Carfree Day is an annual celebration of how community life improves when freed from the noise, stress and pollution of cars. Every September 22, people from around the world get together in the streets and neighbourhoods to celebrate World Carfree Day and to remind the world that we don't have to accept domination by cars..

In Christchurch, some members of Living Streets Aotearoa created 'mini-parks' in metered car spaces along Hereford Street (between Colombo and Manchester). "We paid into the Council meters to park our vehicles, but because they are really small we still had space for people to sit and enjoy reading the newspaper, sip a coffee from one of the great local cafes, or to chat with us about the Living Streets group" says walker Chrys Horn.

"Hereford Street is our choice in 2009, to acknowledge the City Council's recent proposal to create a 'slow street' by reduced parking spaces and road width, and widening pavements there" says Cindy Carmichael, another of the event organisers. "Construction begins next year, and is completed in a couple of years. We welcome extra space provision for walking in the central city. Let's see some more!"

Internationally this is Climate Change Week. Living Streets Aotearoa www.livingstreets.org.nz seeks people-friendly and climate-friendly cities. Active forms of getting around, such as walking and cycling, are inherently low-carbon emitters. Shared cars and buses are better than sole-occupant cars, and require less parking space. Parks and street trees help absorb carbon dioxide emissions and dust.

"Why not make one day a week car free by a healthy walk to work, cycling or using a bus - and cut your carbon footprint and costs at the same time" says event supporter and local environmental educator Rhys Taylor.

Another Living Streets campaign seeks to reclaim our footpaths from parked vehicles: http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/reclaiming_footpaths

Living Streets Aotearoa

We are an independent not-for-profit organisation, established in 2002, that advocates for improved conditions for pedestrians and walkers and promotes walking-friendly communities. In Christchurch we meet for sociable city walks (most recently Monday evening 21 Sept), provide input on council policy, and have fun contributing to public awareness and education.

Our Vision

More people choosing to walk more often.

Our Mission

We will energetically and creatively persuade decision-makers, officials and the public of the importance and desirability of walking and attractive public spaces.

* promote walking as a healthy, accessible, cheap, sociable and environmentally-friendly means of transport and recreation.

* promote the social and economic benefits of pedestrian-friendly communities.

* work for walking-friendly communities with improved access and conditions for walkers, pedestrians and runners.

* advocate for greater representation of walker and pedestrian concerns in land use, transport planning and urban design.

ENDS

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