Together, we've taken hundreds of cars off the road
This July, we launched Going Car Free 2022 - a new challenge in which drivers pledged to reduce their car use for one month to help tackle climate change. Let’s take a look at what we achieved together:
966 drivers took part in the July challenge (and hundreds more supported the campaign in other ways). Despite heat waves, and train strikes, you did it! By switching to more low carbon journeys, together we’ve helped to cut carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, and keep streets safe - a huge thank you to everyone who got involved.
It didn't stop there.
Hundreds of those who took part in Going Car Free 2022 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 (several national news outlets including The Guardian, The Expresss, and The Environment Journal published articles about the project). This meant that thousands more people got thinking about trialling car free living themselves.
What’s more, 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).
“98% of people who took on the month, have said they’re planning on reducing their car use for good!”
And the benefits continue.
Our survey results showed us that drivers who took part in Going Car Free 2022 found it easier than they expected, and enjoyed the feeling of being part of the solution. In fact, 98% of people who took on the month, have said they’re planning on reducing their car use for good!
What now?
A few people have asked us if we’ll make Going Car Free 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 becoming a regular donor.
Ready to try a car free month yourself?
Let us know you’re starting your own car free month today, and we’ll send you all the support you need.