In summer 2024, our Going Car Free Challenge inspired hundreds of drivers across the UK to ditch their cars for 30 days to tackle carbon emissions and get a taste of car-free living.
Together, in one month alone, the 958 drivers who took on the challenge saved hundreds of kilograms of CO2 from being released in the atmosphere - and they loved it!
““[Using my car less] feels loads better, puts a big smile on my face and is much better for my health and the environment””
The results
By looking at participants’ vehicle emissions and car usage for the months before and during the challenge, we calculated that in June alone, participants saved 385 kilograms CO2 - that’s huge!
Infographic showing difference between CO2 emissions caused by participants' travel in the month before the challenge (529kg) and the month of the challenge (144kg)
The benefits don’t stop after 30 days…
If the Going Car Free Challenge shows us anything, it’s that shaking up routines for just a short time has the power to create long term change. This challenge gets you in the door, but with just a few trips, we teach ourselves that journeys could be different. And once our minds and bodies feel the benefits, we’re more ready to keep it up and cement new routines. These drivers enjoyed their car-free journeys, and in the post-challenge survey, the majority of them told us they’ll reduce their car use for good!
And it’s not just about the individual…
As part of the challenge, participants were able to earn rewards by taking action to inspire their friends and their local politicians to take action too.
This meant that hundreds of those who took part in Going Car Free 2024 became transport champions in their communities. They started conversations in their neighbourhoods, got friends to try a car free day or two, and shared their stories with the press. Instead of letting any obstacles to going car free get in our way, together Going Car Free participants used their experiences to push for positive change. They emailed our local councils urging them to create people-friendly streets, and spread the word about bold actions cities are taking to tackle car dominance outside of the UK (including how Estonia’s capital introduced free public transport).
What now?
A few people have asked us if we’ll make the Going Car Free Challenge an annual event. The answer is - we hope so!
As a small charity, our work is always largely dependent on what funding we can get. If you’d like to see more projects like this one, please do consider setting up a donation today.