Sunday 22 September 2024
 22 September is World Car Free Day, when all around the world towns and cities allow people to experience streets free of motor traffic.
Motor vehicles emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which are major causes of pollution. World Car-free Day is celebrated to help the environment and raise awareness about the alternatives to car travel.
You can help the environment and reduce air pollution by using your car less. Air pollution has been linked to many health issues including asthma, lung cancer, coronary heart disease, strokes and dementia. Children and older people, as well as those with existing health conditions are at the greatest risk from the long-term impacts of air pollution.
Driving less will help reduce air pollution and have a positive impact on the health of people living and working in an area. If you replace your car trip for an ‘active’ journey it will also help you stay healthy and get some exercise.
You will find some useful information below about how to access alternative ways to travel such as walking, cycling or using public transport.
Active Travel Hubs
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Across West Yorkshire community hubs have been set up offering all sorts of services to encourage cycling and walking, such as cycle training, bike hire, maintenance, information on routes, led rides. There is a great source of information for cyclists of all abilities and ages. |
The following Active Travel Hubs are located in the Bradford District :
For details about the regional Active Travel Hub scheme and all the hubs locations across West Yorkshire visit the webpage: Community walking and cycling hubs - CityConnect (cyclecityconnect.co.uk)
Bradford Council are subsidising E-Bikes for people aged 18+ living in Manningham, Girlington, Keighley Central, Bradford Moor or Barkerend.
 At just £10 per month the E-Bike pilot is subsidised for up to six months to help you improve your own health and wellbeing, as well help improve the environment.
Contact activetravel@bradford.gov.uk to find our more information.
We can also look forward to seeing a new E-Bike hire scheme starting in 2025, funded by revenue raised from the city's Clean Air Zone (CAZ). Commuters and leisure cyclists will be able to hire the e-bikes from docking stations, due to be located at significant locations around the area, and then return them to either the same or another docking station when they have finished their journey.
Take a walk on World Car Free Day
As well as being good for the environment walking is the most sustainable form of transport and is a free and easy way to get around.
Walking is a great way to get active as well as being great for your mental health and wellbeing. Walking reduces stress, improves self-confidence and reduces the risk of depression. Walking and talking go together, people who walk in groups make new friends, become more sociable and happier.
Make a change on World Car Free Day, leave the car at home, walk to the local shops or the park.
 You can even win prizes for leaving the car at home - Big prizes and amazing offers to reduce traffic jams. Sign up and find out more about 1dayaweek in Bradford.
The Well Together Service from Bradford NHS includes walking groups based across the district and are led by trained volunteer walk leaders. Here are details on the activities and walks for September 2024.
Join the 20 Minute Movement and make a promise to yourself to be active every day. It could be dancing while you do housework, doing squats while you brush your teeth, or getting off the bus/train a stop early and walking.
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What is a Play Street?
If you are not nearby a local park but want the children to play outside you could talk to your neighbours about starting up a Play Street.
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A Play Street is a road that has been temporarily closed to through traffic to create space for children to play out.
Play Street sessions also provide a great chance to bring neighbours together to get to know each other better and bring a real sense of community spirit to the street.
Read our information about what Play Streets are and how you can apply.
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You can visit Ilkley Car Free Festival on World Car Free Day Sunday September 22nd, 11 am - 4pm at The Grove, Ilkley.
The festival provides an opportunity to experience the central thoroughfare free of motor traffic and to question what towns and cities would be like if we gave more space to pedestrians and cyclists. The Festival is completely free and there are lots of activities for everyone to enjoy. |
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Take time this World Car Free Day to make a change.
Celebrate a car-free journey to school or work ahead of World Car Free Day and start experiencing reduced congestion, cleaner air and safer streets.
If it is not practical to be car free for your commute or the school run, try to use the car less at other times, such as popping to the shops or go for a walk!
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