6 Cities That Are Slowly Going Car-Free

While the sheer notion of existing in a car-free society sounds nightmarish to some, many others are actually seeking to make this a reality. A dream come true for those who are deeply concerned with the dire state of the Earth's atmospheric environment, living car-free is an ideal that is slowly increasing in popularity. Whether you want to know for relocation purposes, or if you'd simply prefer to stay far away from these locations, the following is an overview of 6 cities that are slowly going car-less. 

Copenhagen, Denmark  

Much like other large cities, Denmark has endured many years of terrible traffic. However, in 1960, the concept of the "Car-free zone" was introduced, and the rest is history. The idea slowly spread around the city until it came to the point where over 50% of the population now bikes to work on the daily basis. With over 200 "bike only" lanes strewn about the city, Denmark now has the lowest car ownership rates in all of Europe. 

Milan, Italy

A forward-thinking, often smog-filled location, the city of Milan has actually taken to supplying residents who opt to leave their vehicles at home, with free public transportation vouchers. This is tracked by a mildly invasive internet-connected box kept on the dashboard, to keep people honest, of course. For each day that the car remains parked at home, the city sends a voucher that is good for a free bus or train pass. 

Helsinki, Finland 

By focusing efforts on improving the public transportation system and expanding the inner-city, Finland aims to keep their growing population, from lining the pockets of the automotive industry. Although the rural areas are very far from the city and only reachable by car, by 2050, the city plans to turn each suburb into a car-free zone that will be connected to the city by public transportation.  

Hamburg, Germany

Although they have no official plans to completely ban the usage of cars, the city plans to create a "green network" which will connect a series of playgrounds, recreational areas, parks, and other paths for cyclists and pedestrians, within the next 15 to 20 years, Furthermore, it will be almost impossible not to participate in this initiative as the network will envelope approximately 40% of the city. 

Chengdu, China

A Chicago-based architect has recently revealed the details of a plan to build an environmentally-friendly, self-sustaining satellite city, near the city of Chengdu. Although they are not banning the vehicles totally, only half of the roads will allow motorized vehicles. The suburb will connect to the city by public transportation, and the walkways within the city will be designed so that any location can be reached on foot, within 10 minutes. 

Madrid, Spain

A city that already contains a car-free zone which is steadily expanding outwards, Madrid's car-free zone grows by 1 square mile per year. Although car owners are still allowed to bring their vehicles within the car-free zone, drivers also face large fines if they dare do so without a parking space. What's more, their new "smart meters" that are stationed throughout the city, have the ability to to gauge the fuel efficiency of each vehicle. Therefore, those who use so-called "gas-guzzlers" will have to pay more at the meter. 

Overall, although going car-less may not exactly be your cup of tea, it seems that these cities are taking great strides to ensure this transition is as painless as possible. While living in one of these cities may not be your goal, taking a trip to one of these locations may just make you appreciate the car-culture you presently live in, that much more. If you're having trouble in that department, California traffic school can help with things such as avoiding points on your license, having a traffic ticket dismissed, and other non alcohol-related offenses. California traffic school courses offer learning at your own pace. Start for free online, and with an added level of fun, finish at one of our facilities. You'll have your certificate within 30 minutes of course completion and drive off into the sunset. Don't go car-less, start your course today!