Car Free Cities envisions urban spaces designed for people, prioritizing walking, cycling, and public transport over cars. It explores how reshaping cities can lead to more sustainable, livable, and equitable urban environments. The book highlights the profound impact of car dependency on urban landscapes, contributing to pollution and social inequalities. For instance, car-centric planning often leads to increased respiratory illnesses and reduced social interaction.
The book traces the evolution of cities from pedestrian-oriented spaces to car-dominated environments, examining the policies and cultural shifts that led to this dependence. It introduces the concept of car-free urbanism and presents evidence of its potential benefits, showcasing successful examples from around the world. Subsequent chapters delve into infrastructure development, policy interventions, and strategies for managing traffic and parking.
The book uniquely offers practical strategies and actionable insights, adopting a conversational style to make complex concepts understandable.