ITDP brings you a monthly digest of sustainable transport and urban development news from around the world. From Equal Streets in Mumbai to Raahgiri Day in Delhi, this month’s InFocus looks at car-free Sundays and how they have helped garner support for walking and cycling while creating places that can be enjoyed by all.
Less than a tenth of trips in Indian cities are made by cars, yet our streets are already choked with traffic and pollution. To address these concerns, a growing number of cities have started reclaiming streets for people. They have embraced the idea of car-free Sundays, transforming streets into vibrant spaces that actively support social life and using them as a platform to promote walking and cycling.
PM bats for Cycle Sundays
Emphasising that rising consumerism was the root of the climate crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested how making lifestyle changes like using cycles at least once a week can help save energy and counter the threat of climate change. Times of India reports.
Mumbai embraces Equal Streets to be healthier, happier
To reclaim public space swallowed by motorists, Mumbai pedestrianises 6.5 km of streets every Sunday morning to facilitate walking, cycling, and a host of other activities. The Guardian reports.
Delhi uses car-free days to build support for walking and cycling
Locally known as Raahgiri Day, car-free days in Delhi have helped spur long-term change in favour of sustainable transport. Project for Public Spaces presents the details.
Bogotá’s Cyclovía shows an alternative vision of streets
With over 100 km of streets closed for residents to walk, cycle, run, skate and simply have fun, Bogotá, Columbia reclaims its streets for people every Sunday. Streetfilms presents the details.
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