7 myths that still prevail about car-free cities

Cities around the world are implementing measures to reduce car use and promote alternative, sustainable forms of transport. Despite this trend, there are still skeptics who argue that, for various reasons, a car-free city is an unrealistic utopia. In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about car-free cities and share our thoughts on why it’s a strategy that’s not only promising but also workable.

The UN predicts that by 2050 more than two-thirds of the people on this planet will live in cities, so it’s in all of our interests to make it as livable as possible.

Reducing the number of cars on the road has both immediate and long-term positive effects on air quality. But that’s not the only health benefit. As people begin to seek sustainable forms of transportation, this leads to more cycling, walking, and running. And that in turn translates into a happier and healthier population.

Noise kills, so does misinformation

And did we mention the noise? According to the WHO, noise pollution is almost as harmful as air pollution when it comes to our health. Excessive noise causes a whole range of problems, from mild irritation and insomnia to heart disease or even premature death. There are a number of reasons why we should limit cars in cities, but what are the most common myths trying to convince us otherwise?

A view of Indonesian Jakarta

Myth #1: Car-free cities are bad for business

The most popular and long-standing myth about car-free cities is that they hurt the economy and local businesses. Some entrepreneurs worry that fewer cars mean fewer customers. This may be true for suburban malls, but not in an urban setting.

Studies consistently show that traffic increases when a street is quiet or car-free, leading to an increase in retail sales. Conversely, in the era of online shopping, calming an area can revitalize a high street. According to Euronews, research also shows that even when parking spaces are removed, people usually don’t panic and leave the area forever, but instead find alternative ways to get where they need to go within it. And they’re more likely to shop within walking distance.

Myth #2: Without cars, there will be no tourists

Another common caveat is that if a city bans cars, people don’t visit it. On the contrary, cities without cars are not only more accessible but also a tourist attraction. The Greek island of Hydra is one example of cities that are a popular destination for people looking for peace and quiet.

Looking for an example of a larger city? How about Ghent, Belgium? The introduction of a car-free zone in the center completely transformed the city and improved the overall attractiveness of Ghent as a major shopping and tourist destination.

Car-free island of Hydra

Myth #3: Car-free cities discriminate

If the city wants to improve mobility, then limiting cars is a legitimate interest of the elderly or people with medical disabilities.

Good, thoughtful design is essential to planning a car-free city and, if designed well, meets the real needs of all its residents. Of course, functioning public transport is key. It must be practically and financially available to those who need it. This means everything from ramps on buses, trams, and trains to subsidies or free travel for those who need it. Well-designed car-free cities do not increase accessibility problems, on the contrary, they improve conditions, especially for those who need it most.

Myth #4: Only small cities can function without cars

Efforts towards a car-free city are often dismissed as utopian and difficult to implement on any meaningful scale. Critics say they are only good for small towns. Has anyone told Copenhagen, Amsterdam, and Oslo? Their largely car-free centers prove that with the right planning, education, and infrastructure, car-free cities are indeed very possible and workable.

Of course, there are many factors to consider. Sometimes it can be as simple as adapting existing infrastructure, like how Helsinki turned a disused railway line into a cycling superhighway. In others, it may require drastic measures. With size comes difficulty, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth working towards. After all, even Rome wasn’t built in a day.

A street in Helsinki

Myth #5: It’s too late to transition to a car-free city

There will always be cynics who will argue that it is too late for people to change. The fact is that driving continues to be the norm because cities make it easier. Margaret Thatcher once said that “a man who finds himself on a bus at 26 years can consider himself a failure”. As Wired points out, it’s this kind of stigma that keeps people from opening their minds to alternatives to car transportation. Research shows that when cities take measures to reduce or limit the number of cars, they rarely go back to where they were before. Everyone can benefit from city streets with fewer vehicles, even if not everyone can imagine it.

Myth #6: Car-free cities are expensive

One of the most frustrating myths is that car-free cities are expensive. Even if the infrastructure actually costs money, it will save or even earn money in the future.

According to WorldCrunch, a study in Copenhagen showed that for every kilometer of bike lanes built in the city, €400,000 was generated in benefits through reduced transport costs, healthcare, and accidents. Compare this to the significant costs of maintaining road infrastructure and traffic control systems for cars, and it’s clear that there are some financial advantages to car-free cities.

Myth #7: Car-free cities are anti-car

And last but not least, we have those who say that car-free cities are anti-car. Well, he’s not entirely wrong. Car-free cities are designed to make them better places to live for everyone. While cars are generally discouraged, they are usually not outright banned. Those who need to use cars, such as people with mobility problems and emergency vehicles, can do so. And with fewer cars on the road, they can do it better than ever before!

The main theory is that people don’t need to drive as much. It is estimated that at least half of car journeys worldwide are less than 5 km, a distance that most people could easily cover by bicycle or public transport. Cars in cities continue to cause problems for residents, businesses, governments, and visitors, but reducing the number of vehicles using a car-free urban model is one urban planning strategy that could have some answers.

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