Living in a city without a car can be liberating, healthy, budget-friendly, and environmentally responsible. Cities worldwide have accommodated car-free living by creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, improving cycling infrastructure, and investing in public transportation. Here are some cities that have excelled in providing car-free living experiences:
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is renowned for its bicycle culture, with over 60% of trips made on bikes. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes, traffic-calmed streets, and bike parking facilities. Amsterdam’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, is reliable, affordable, and frequent.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is another city with a strong cycling culture and has been working towards becoming completely carbon-neutral by 2025. The city has over 390 km of bike lanes, making it easy and safe to cycle around. Copenhagen’s public transportation system is also excellent, with a comprehensive metro, bus, and train network.
Paris, France
Paris is a city easily navigable by public transportation, with an extensive metro and bus network. The city has also implemented a bike-sharing system, Vélib, which offers over 14,000 bicycles. Paris has also implemented pedestrian-only zones, where cars are not allowed, creating safe and enjoyable walking spaces.
San Francisco, USA
San Francisco has a reputation for being one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in the United States. The city has implemented car-free zones, pedestrian plazas, and bike lanes, making it easy to get around without a car. With continued improvement of bicycle lanes and laws, San Francisco saw a decrease in bicycle collisions in 2020 and 2021. San Francisco’s public transportation system, including buses, trains, and cable cars, is well-established and affordable.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city that has made significant strides towards car-free living, including creating “superblocks,” which are large areas where cars are banned and pedestrian and cycling spaces are prioritized. The city also has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, trains, and a bike-sharing system.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is a city that is famous for its efficient public transportation system, including trains, subways, and buses. The city’s metro system is one of the most extensive and reliable in the world, making it easy to get around without a car. Tokyo also has increasing pedestrian-only zones, creating safe and enjoyable walking spaces.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has been working towards becoming a greener and more sustainable city, promoting cycling and walking. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy and safe to cycle around. Vancouver’s public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, is also reliable and affordable.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a city that has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and active transportation. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy and safe to cycle around. Zurich’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, is also reliable and affordable. The city has also implemented pedestrian-only zones like the popular Bahnhofstrasse shopping district.
Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is a city that is known for its sustainable and eco-friendly policies. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy and safe to cycle around. Stockholm’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains, is comprehensive and affordable. The city has also implemented pedestrian-only zones like the popular Gamla Stan neighborhood.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is a city that has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and active transportation. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and paths, making it easy and safe to cycle around. Melbourne’s public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trams, is comprehensive and affordable. The city has also implemented pedestrian-friendly spaces, such as the popular Federation Square.
These cities have made great strides towards creating car-free living experiences by implementing pedestrian-friendly spaces, improving cycling infrastructure, and investing in public transportation. These cities serve as an inspiration and a model for other cities worldwide to follow, promoting a healthier, more sustainable, and car-free lifestyle.