In 2024, with 1.475 billion cars worldwide, pollution rises. Explore car-free cities like Zermatt and Venice that inspire a cleaner, quieter lifestyle.
Key Highlights: 1. Global car numbers and pollution are significantly increasing. 2. Some cities embrace car-free living for cleaner environments. 3. Highlights include unique transport options and scenic destinations.
As of 2024, there are 1.475 billion cars worldwide, which means about one car for every 5.5 people. While this number seems huge, the impact on our planet is alarming. A typical car emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. If we multiply that by 1.475 billion, the total emissions become staggering.
But what if we could live without cars, avoiding traffic jams and noise? Although it might sound impossible, some cities have embraced car-free living every day.
On World Car-Free Day, let’s explore a few car-free cities:
Yelapa, Mexico: Located where two rivers meet the sea, Yelapa has no cars. Most travel is done by boat, and it has a relaxed, beachy vibe that attracts visitors looking for a peaceful escape.
Zermatt, Switzerland: Nestled at the base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt has been car-free for ages. To reach it, you drive to Täsch (5 km away) and then take a shuttle train every 20 minutes. Once in Zermatt, you can walk, ride a horse-drawn carriage, use an electric taxi, bike, or take a free bus.
Hydra, Greece: On Hydra, not only are cars banned, but bicycles are too. The best way to explore is by walking, or you can ride mules if you prefer a slower pace.
Fes el Bali, Morocco: Fes-al-Bali is a medieval city with 13,380 historic buildings, making it one of the largest car-free areas globally. Many streets are too narrow for cars, bicycles, or even scooters.
Ghent, Belgium: This university town has been car-free since 2017. It offers a free park-and-ride service, city buses, trams, and even electric boats, making public transport eco-friendly and accessible.
La Digue Island, Seychelles: This small island is a serene getaway with no traffic. You can easily bike around the island, visit the famous Anse Source d’Argent beach, snorkel at Anse Coco, or feed giant tortoises at La Union Estate. Electric buggies are available for those who need them.
Lamu, Kenya: One of Africa’s oldest Swahili towns, Lamu has banned cars. Transportation is mainly by donkeys and traditional boats. The town features narrow streets and beautiful coral stone buildings, influenced by various architectural styles.
Giethoorn, The Netherlands: Known as the “Dutch Venice,” Giethoorn has no cars or paved roads. You can explore the village by bike, boat, or on foot through its many canals.
Venice, Italy: Known as Europe’s largest pedestrian zone, Venice is built on 126 islands connected by over 400 bridges. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has no vehicles, and residents even considered banning rolling suitcases.
