Literally, just a single day less
I’m not asking you to radically change your life, nor am I asking you to make supreme sacrifices. I’m not asking you to live in a cave (though actually, that could be quite cool!)
What I am asking is for you to make a relatively small change. I’m asking for just ONE day of change, and you’re free to choose which day it would be.
Just one car-free day
There are seven days in a week (Captain Obvious rides again!) and I’d like YOU to make a change on just one of those. For just a single day per week, don’t drive. No, not even “unusual” journeys. Literally, do not drive at all, and don’t be a passenger in a car. You can do anything else: catch the bus, walk, cycle, roller skate or hop on a train, but you MUST avoid cars for that one day.
It doesn’t have to be the same day each week, and you can obviously change which day of the week you choose, as long as you rigidly stick to no driving and no car usage for one day per week.
Easier than you think
If you plan your journeys better, I think you’ll find this is far more achievable that you may realise. Think about it: if everyone stopped driving for just one day per week, that’s a 14% drop in traffic, on average. In practical terms, that means far less congestion, and crucially, far less pollution. And as a bonus, you’ll save money! This is a win, win win situation! While you’re at it, why not see what your driving habits are actually like?
So, what’s it going to be? Will you take on the challenge and stop driving for just one day?
No thanks
No thanks, Norman? Are you aware of climate change speeding up? Are you aware of the over 9 000 early death per year in Greater London alone that are directly attributable to transport-related pollution? Are you aware we’re staring into the abyss?
What would you rather have – MORE driving, MORE pollution, MORE congestion and MORE road deaths?
You definitely got me thinking about this last summer. I put on my big girl pants and started commuting the 22 mile round trip to work in September (stopped for the winter as I won’t cycle in the dark). I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to get back to it in March. I’ve also stopped all car journeys under two miles. Every little helps 😜
That’s seriously impressive, Sarah, and I’m ridiculously happy that I played a tiny part in your impression 🙂
Couldn’t agree more. Car culture and driving addiction are so engrained in our life.