Zero Emissions Noosa, together with the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation (NBRF) and Tourism Noosa, and supported by Noosa Council, are promoting World Car Free Day – 22 September – for the first time in Noosa this year.
We are asking people to pledge to replace at least one car trip between 15 – 22 September with active or public transport. And by doing so, you can win some great prizes.
Fiona Berkin, Chair of NBRF said, “World Car Free Day is a powerful reminder of how our everyday choices shape the world we live in and the Foundation is pleased to support this initiative by ZEN.”
“Fewer cars mean cleaner air, quieter streets, and a safer, more connected community. It’s not just about reducing emissions—it’s about improving the livability of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, for people and nature alike.”
World Car Free Day was first launched in Europe 25 years ago, and since then has been observed annually around the world on 22 September. It came from a global concern with our over-dependence on cars. By going car free as often as possible we can reduce emissions and congestion and make our neighbourhoods and cities more liveable – less cars means more open and green spaces.
Since its inception, World Car-Free Day has evolved from a simple initiative promoting car-free streets to a global movement advocating for sustainable urban mobility. Over time, the day has gained momentum, with cities around the world participating by closing streets to traffic and encouraging alternative modes of transportation. As the movement has grown, World Car-Free Day has become a platform to promote long-term urban planning reforms and encourage a cultural shift toward greener, more sustainable commuting habits.
For instance, No-Car Sunday in Bogotá, Colombia is one of the world’s most celebrated and long-standing urban car-free initiatives. This is a weekly event where 120 kilometres of Bogotá’s streets are closed to cars and opened up for cyclists, walkers, joggers, skaters, and families. More than 1.5 million people take part every Sunday. And it has inspired similar programs in other cities including Los Angeles, Mexico City and Jakarta.
The former Mayor of Bogota, Enrique Peñalosa has been quoted as saying: “A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.”
Australia ranks among the highest countries for car ownership with about 78 motor vehicles per 100 people. Here in Noosa more than half the households own two or more vehicles while only 1% of residents currently commute regularly by public transport. There are lots of barriers to going car free in Noosa Shire. Our roads were designed for cars not people, so solutions to active and public transport will need to be retrofitted. But through public awareness and active participation we hope to see some of the innovations from other parts of the world influencing the future of Noosa’s transport – and ensuring it remains a great place to visit and live.
If you are inspired, enter our #GoCarFreeNoosa competition. You could win $500, ebike hire for 2 from ecoTekk Noosa worth $180 or day passes on the Noosa Ferry. To enter, pledge your commitment to swap out at least one local car trip between 15 and 22 September. You can choose to travel by foot, bike, scooter, bus, ferry or car-pool. Post a photo or a video of your car-free commute on social media. Use #GoCarFreeNoosa in your caption and tag @ZeroEmissionsNoosa. Winners will be selected on September 23.
More details will be provided closer to that date so make sure to keep an eye on our website zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au
