Frequently Asked Questions

+ Will going car-free really make a difference?

In the UK, nearly one third of our carbon emissions come from transport, and private cars are the biggest contributor. Unlike the progress made in other sectors, transport emissions have barely fallen since 1990. We need to drastically reduce our car use to reach our climate targets, and our aim of fewer cars on the road will help people live healthier lives too. Click here to read more about the climate impact of going car-free.

Earlier this year, we asked people to try going car-free for three weeks. Our Going Car Free participants tried different ways of getting around where they lived, and we had some really positive results. You can read all about how they each got on here.

+ How will I benefit from going car-free?

Giving up your private car has so many benefits for our cities, communities and planet. Going car-free can save you money while improving your physical and mental health from being more active as well as the reduced stress that driving a car induces.

For the planet, reducing the number of cars on the road will improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. Click here to read more about the climate impact of going car free.

+ How easy is it to go car-free?

Adopting a car-free lifestyle may be a challenge at first, but it is also so rewarding when you discover and explore your local area when opting to take low-carbon transport alternatives.

It's important to acknowledge that there are many reasons why it is harder for some people to go car-free than others. Geography, physical ability or disability, health and personal circumstances all play a role too

This challenge isn’t looking for people to do the impossible, but swapping out as many car journeys that is realistic for you. By participating in this challenge, you might be surprised how possible it is for you to cut your car use.

Earlier this year, we challenged a group of people in Oxford to try going car free. Have a look at how they found it here.

+ What alternative travel options are available?

This is very dependent on where you live, and what is accessible for you.

Here is a useful graphic to get you thinking about different sustainable transport options and which ones might be best for you.

+ What support is there?

We’ll be with you every step, cycle, and wheel of the way. Once you sign up, Izzy will be in touch as your go-to person for your car free month, but just ping us an email if there’s anything you need support with - our team will be happy to help.

You’ll be sent weekly emails with everything you might need (including advice, milestones, and inspiring stories from people who took on our Going Car Free trial earlier this year).

+ What happens if I really need to use my car?

Often people jump in their car like it’s a reflex. Our challenge is to break the habit of driving and show people how much of their travel can be done with low car alternatives.

That being said, if an emergency situation arises, of course we completely understand that you might need to use your car for it.

+ Why are you only asking people to go car-free for a month?

Our challenge is to break the habit of driving and show people how much of their travel can be done with low car alternatives. Then after the month is over, people can make changes to their lives which are most suitable for them.

Just read these case studies to see how our going car free research participants changed their travel habits after trying to go car free earlier this year

+ I’m already living car-free - how can I support the campaign?

It is great to hear that you already live car-free. If you want to help us, please share the campaign on social media, have conversations about the car free challenge with your friends, family or colleagues. Your voice will give the campaign greater support and will show others that there is a desire to live car free. After all, people are more willing to change their behaviour if others show they are willing to do the same.

Another important way that you can support the campaign, is to donate to this project page.

+ What about people who need their cars?

This challenge is aimed at those who could and can reduce their car use. If that’s not you, then that is perfectly fine.

We recognise there are many people, including some disabled people, who cannot get around without a car, and our campaign to reduce the number of cars in cities will make their lives easier too.

In the long run, fewer cars on streets will enable us to redesign our streets around people, rather than cars, providing wider footways to better accommodate wheelchair users, with more space around street furniture to benefit visually impaired people, and more seating for those who need to sit or rest along their journeys

+ Public transport is terrible where I live, what can I do?

Going car-free is a process, and an ambitious vision that we hope will inspire action. It might be easy for some people to reduce their car use overnight, but much harder for others, and as you’ve pointed out, this could be due to lack of alternative transport options in your local area. The challenge is about doing - and then asking for change. Public transport is one of many sustainable transport options. Could you walk, or wheel, or cycle instead? Maybe even car-share?

If you’re struggling to go car-free, this could be a good opportunity for you to highlight the barriers and challenges that are faced in your local area.

+ What if I don't have a bike? Or don’t want to ride one?

Car-free living isn’t all about bikes; there are loads of other great alternatives to driving, such as walking, scooting, jogging, or using public transport. Try going car-free in the best way that suits you. For those few journeys where you feel a car is absolutely necessary, taxis and car clubs could be used.

But if you’re worried about, for example, not having enough energy to use a bike for a long period of time, or having to carry a heavy load, you could consider an e-bike, or a cargo-bike (or an e-cargo-bike!).

By reducing the overall number of cars on the roads, and thus removing the dangers of mass private car use, it’ll make other transport options much safer and efficient.

+ Won’t electric cars solve all our problems?

The way our cities are structured means that we accept the harm that comes with cars - the road danger, pollution, and congestion. The climate crisis gives us the opportunity to look at how cities are structured, and the covid-19 pandemic really highlighted how different our streets could be with fewer cars on them - more space, cleaner air, quieter neighbourhoods, for example.

Electric vehicles might cause less emissions, but they're by no means pollution free - their manufacture, their battery resourcing, and their daily use still cause great environmental damage. Plus they’ll still contribute to traffic, congestion, and space inefficiencies and inequities.

For those people who absolutely do still need to drive, EVs are a step in the right direction. But to do our best for the climate, we need fewer cars on the road, no matter if they run on fossil fuels or electricity. Opting for walking, cycling, or taking public transport will always have a greater positive impact.

+ What if I need to drive for work

That’s no problem at all! Even in the most ambitious car free visions, for example, taxis and car clubs still exist. If you need to drive for work, you can still sign up to our challenge where you go partially car-free, where you do as many journeys as possible outside work car free!

+ It’s not safe to cycle!

Cars, pedestrians and busy roads- it can be scary starting off, especially if you're new to cycling. There’s lots you can do to keep yourself safe and work up the confidence to cycle. You could get yourself a cycle training session, look up tips for cycling proficiently or head out with a more experienced friend? We have a list of five common cycling concerns and how to beat them with all the resources you need to help keep you safe and happy on the road.

If cycling isn’t for you, no worries! Going Car Free 2024 is a flexible way to get involved with active travel and public transport - meaning it’s up to you to decide how you get around on your car free journeys.