Did you know that today is the European Car Free Day? A good moment to think about how we can organize our everyday life without or at least with less car use.

I myself work from home, so I can definitely do without the wheeled vehicle for my commute to work. As a child from the countryside, however, I know how irreplaceable the car still is in a lot of places because, for example, there is no train station in town and the buses only run twice a day. If at all. But especially in the city, we often have the opportunity to do without the car.

Our tips for a car-free everyday life

Two (or three) instead of four

Many errands and tours can be done by bicycle. My neighbors, for example, have a cargo bike for shopping or even to take the kids to kindergarten. Of course, riding a bike in the rain can be a real ordeal, but that’s what rain gear is for, people.

Carpooling

If going without the car is not an option at all, then look for allies. Maybe people from your club have a similar or even the same route as you and you can join forces.

Travel car-free

How about planning your next trip as a walking tour? Or as a longer bike ride? I can guarantee this will be exciting even in familiar surroundings. Because a route you’ve driven a hundred times by car looks completely different on foot. Or you’ll discover places you can only get to by bike or in hiking boots.

By the way, just because you’re on foot or by bike doesn’t mean you have to sleep in a tent. Look for hotels or guesthouses in advance where you can stop for the night.

For even more inspiration on going car-free, I recommend these blog articles.