Today, cities worldwide are facing issues like congestion, pollution, and climate change challenges. In such a context, car-free urbanism is emerging as a feasible solution. In car-free urbanism, city planning prioritizes “humans” and “environment”. It prioritizes pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation over private cars enhancing the quality of life of residents. Car-free urbanism is a big shift that brought transformation in urban planning with huge benefits in the environment, public health, safety, and sanitation.
The Concept of Car-Free Urbanism
Can you imagine a city without cars, buses, or trucks to cause noise, bad odor, or hazards? Imagine having everything you require, including groceries, healthcare facilities, schools, child care, and public spaces, just five to ten minutes around your house. Imagine streets free from traffic congestion and the pollution caused by vehicles. Just imagine the vibrant public spaces where people can walk, shop, play, and socialize without the noise and the danger of injuries and accidents. This is the concept of car-free urbanism.
Historical Context and Global Examples
Historically, cities were designed for pedestrians. However, with globalization, urban areas were reshaped to accommodate vehicles thereby ignoring pedestrians and cyclists. Today, many cities in the world like Pontevedra in Spain, Freiburg in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark have successfully implemented car-free policies. Amsterdam is also one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world with its cycling infrastructure. Likewise, In Barcelona, there is a concept of superblocks that restricts vehicle access within clusters of city blocks making the inner streets pedestrian-friendly zones. Such cities are uplifting urban living and demonstrating the positive sides of car-free urbanism. Historically, in Nepal, the traditional communities have been built for people and their respective activities. We can see stone or brick pavements in alleys and Durbar squares like Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Basantapur Durbar Square. The alleys are also narrow. Such examples showcase that the traditional towns were not designed for vehicles.
Car-Free Area at Bandipur, Nepal
Bandipur is a hilltop settlement in the Tanahun district of Nepal. The main bazaar area of Bandipur is car-free. All vehicles have to be parked outside the gate of the town before entering the main bazaar area. Also, there are stone-paved steps at the entrance which is a very smart way to pedestrianize the place. The stone-paved streets and the traditional Newari architecture support and enhance this approach of walkability around the bazaar area. Likewise, public spaces like Tudhikhel and the central square allow social interactions and cultural activities. This approach is also helping to generate an economy for locals. The car-free approach is making Bandipur a good example of a walkable, heritage-focused town in Nepal while promoting sustainable tourism.
Car-Free Saturdays in Hadigaon, Kathmandu
One of the earliest urban communities in the Kathmandu Valley, Hadigaon’s history dates back to the Lichhavi era. It was first recorded in 250 AD. Despite its rich history, culture, and tradition, Hadigaon used to be a nearly forgotten place, known solely for its annual jatras. But today, it is famous for Carfree Saturdays.
In 2023, Hadigaon Ward 5, the Kathmandu Metropolitan Office, and the community started the first community-led approach to establish a car-free zone in Hadigaon every Saturday on World Carfree Day- 2023 promoting pedestrianization. The event highlights the history, local culture, and heritage of Hadigaon which the city has lost to modern urbanism. They do this every Saturday from 3 pm onwards. They block the roads not to let vehicles enter the settlement. The streets feature many interactive areas for children, including reading nooks, art spots, cycling areas, and play zones.
Women in the community are actively involved in cooking and running food stalls, promoting Newari cuisine. The environment is very vibrant and lively and it is a popular place for visitors to spend their Saturday afternoons. It also helps the locals to generate an economy. The spaces are inclusive too as it welcomes people from different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Hadigaon can act as a prototype and it also could serve as a model for sustainable urban development in Kathmandu Valley.
Benefits of Car-free Urbanism?
Car-free urbanism has many benefits in many different aspects. Socially, it helps to boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic and creating vibrant public spaces. Public spaces are the heart of any city as they encourage social interactions through many types of events including cultural ones. It helps to make the community bonds stronger by bringing all of them together. There are fewer accidents and injuries as pedestrian and cyclist safety is prioritized. It also promotes inclusivity by creating children, elderly people, and disabled-friendly spaces. Like the example of Bandipur above, it also reduces the impact of cars on historical and heritage sites.
In terms of the environment, it reduces vehicular emissions, making the air cleaner and healthier. Similarly, it also contributes to the efficient use of land by freeing up spaces dedicated to roads and parking for parks, trees, vegetation, public plazas, and green infrastructure. It helps to fight against climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This concept helps to reduce the urban heat island effect too as less asphalt and fewer cars mean cooler urban temperatures. It also reduces dependence on fossil fuels. From a health point of view, it encourages an active lifestyle improving physical fitness and reducing obesity. Likewise, it also helps to create quieter, more peaceful urban environments. Green spaces and walkable areas contribute to improved mental health, and few pollutants reduce respiratory diseases. By reducing noise pollution, stress, and stationary lifestyles, it promotes overall well-being and improves public health.
What if we didn’t have to rush through traffic every morning? What if we could walk to the places we need, breathe fresh air, and enjoy peaceful streets? I think it’s time we seriously consider it. Car-free urbanism is not just an idealistic vision but also a necessary evolution in urban planning. With careful planning, urban areas around the world can witness a future where people define the cityscape paving the way for healthier, greener, and more inclusive cities.
References:
Newman, P. and Kenworthy, J. (2015). The End of Automobile Dependence. Washington, DC: Island Press/Center for Resource Economics. doi:https://doi.org/10.5822/978-1-61091-613-4.
Goozee, L. (2023). Car-Free Cities Around the World: 12 Great Urban Examples. [online] Discerning Cyclist. Available at: https://discerningcyclist.com/car-free-cities-around-the-world/.
ResearchGate. (n.d.). (PDF) At the frontiers of cycling: Policy innovations in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany. [online] Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284688651_At_the_frontiers_of_cycling_Policy_innovations_in_the_Netherlands_Denmark_and_Germany.
Un-Habitat (2013). Planning and Design for Sustainable Urban Mobility. Routledge.
