Today is ‘World Car-Free Day’

World Car-Free Day is celebrated today across the globe

Being motorcyclists, we are in some way, already contributing to a ‘greener’ alternative to transportation by riding on a much fuel-efficient scooter or underbone (vs cars), as well as taking less space on the road. And since small motorcycles, by design, can weave through standstill traffic, we are able to go from point A to point B much faster – thus saving more fuel vs cars.

However, riding motorcycles has its disadvantages, too. Like in instances where the weather is bad, a rider can already be soaking wet even before reaching the office. During these instances, those who have the option of driving a car will definitely choose the latter.

But, did you know that today, September 22, is “World Car-Free Day”?

World Car-Free Day

Every September 22, World Car-Free Day (WCF Day) is celebrated across the globe. Its primary goal is to encourage the public to ditch their cars (or SUVs) and take an alternative mode of transportation for commuting. It could be a bicycle, mass transport or just walking.

In an article published by The Washington Post a few years ago, “the event promotes improvement of mass transit, cycling and walking, and the development of communities where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within walking distance. Studies showed that for short trips in cities, one can reach more quickly using a bicycle rather than using a car.”

Events similar to the WCF Day were in motion as early as the 1970s when the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, declared an oil embargo on the nations that supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War, resulting in a global oil crisis.

But, it wasn’t until 1994 that a structured call for such projects was issued in a keynote speech by Eric Britton at the International Ciudades Accessibles (Accessible Cities) Conference held in Toledo (Spain).

Since then, WCF Day events were organized in Iceland, UK, and France. In 2000, the European Commission established WCF Day as a Euro-wide event. The rest of the world soon followed.

How can I support WCF Day if I’m a motorcycle rider?

As mentioned above, we motorcycle riders are in some way already contributing to greener modes of transportation by using fuel-efficient and nimble motorcycles. However, more can be done.

For example, if say, you just need to go to the nearby market to buy some groceries, consider walking instead of riding your motorcycle. Or, if your job has a work-from-home option, take it! Not only that you will save on fuel expenses, but also will save on parking expenses and you’ll have ZERO travel time.

If it can’t be helped, consider planning your trips accordingly. If you plan your trip, you’ll have additional fuel savings as well as less time spent on traffic.