Lagos Urban Development Initiative (LUDI) in collaboration with UrbanBetter put together the Sustainable Transport Festival 2024, a two day event that started with a conference on the 21st, and concluded on the 22nd September, with a full day event that featured an awareness walk, games and display of various forms of non motorised transport activities such as skating, cycling on a section of the road barricaded to restrict vehicular movement, to mark the world car free day 2024, this event not only aims to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of car emissions but also highlights the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation like walking, cycling, skating and using public transport.
As an UrbanBetter Cityzens Run Leader who advocates for clean air and sustainable cities, World Car-Free Day is an event that resonates deeply with me. It’s a day when the world pauses for a moment to reflect on our relationship with cars, our cities, and our environment. This year, however, the event took on an even more personal meaning as I had the chance to participate in the awareness walk and engage directly with citizens and policy makers including the Commissioner for Transport in a shared effort to push for cleaner and more sustainable air in our cities.
The Global Need for Cleaner Air: Car emissions are one of the primary causes of air pollution in cities across the world, and their impact on health and the environment should not be ignored. According to the World Health Organization, around 7 million people die every year due to air pollution related illnesses, and vehicles are a significant part of this problem. The exhaust from cars releases harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter into the air, which are linked to respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even premature death.
A Day Without Cars, Breathing Clean Air: The streets were noticeably quieter and more peaceful on World Car-Free Day. The absence of cars allowed me to breathe in the fresh air and feel the difference that comes from cleaner, healthier surroundings. We often take for granted the joy of walking or cycling freely through streets. This experience reminded me that the air we breathe is a precious resource, one that is being threatened by the ever increasing reliance on cars.
When cities embrace car-free initiatives, even for just a day, it’s a powerful reminder that it’s not only possible to reduce car usage but also that the benefits are immediate and noticeable. Clean air, quieter neighbourhoods, and safer streets are just some of the advantages. However, the impact of the event isn’t just about cleaner air for one day, it’s about promoting a culture of sustainability and starting to rethink how we design our cities and transportation systems.
Activities of the day: One of the most encouraging aspects of World Car-Free Day this year was the presence of the Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi . As a Cityzens Run Leader, I’ve always believed that policy changes are crucial for achieving long term solutions, and having the Commissioner actively involved in this event was a sign that decision makers in Lagos are committed to making tangible improvements to urban mobility and air quality.
During the event, the Commissioner spoke passionately about the need for cities to invest in alternative transportation options like cycling, walking, and public transport. Car-Free Day is a reminder that we can transform our cities into healthier, greener spaces, but it’s up to all of us – government, businesses, and citizens to make that happen.
Hearing the Commissioner discuss the city’s plans for expanding bike lanes, improving public transport systems, and reducing car emissions was inspiring. It reaffirmed my belief that positive change is possible when we work together and that local governments have a vital role to play in creating policies that prioritise public health and environmental sustainability.
UrbanBetter Data Collection: To facilitate the World Car Free Day event, the state government closed off part of the Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos to restrict vehicular movement.
We did a 10km walk around the closed area and measured the air quality using our low cost mobile sensor. We used our UrbanBetter Cityzens App to record the positive and negative features seen in the environment.
One great thing about the UrbanBetter Citizens App is that it can be used by everyone and anywhere, just download the app from google playstore, register and start recording events happening in your environment that are either contributing positively or negatively to air pollution, together we can make a difference and create a healthier world that we and the future generations deserve.
You can get the app on Apple and Google Play Stores
Advocacy Walk: Another highlight of the day was a series of guided walking tours through the city, UrbanBetter provided placards with written information about active modes of transportation and air pollution. This tour was meant to create awareness about world car free day and to let people know that they do not need to use their personal cars all the time. By doing this they can engage in other active forms of transportation, this also allows participants to appreciate their surroundings more.
Representatives from Active Transport (one of the four focus groups created by Children Cities and Climate (CCC) lab to address major contributors to climate change and air pollution. Ms Kikelomo Lawal and Mr Afeez Odunoye spoke on Active Transport which is dedicated to promoting eco-friendly transportation methods such as walking, cycling, and using public transport.
A Personal Awakening: Some of the activities of the day were the awareness walk and cycling, which allowed people of all ages and abilities to experience the streets without cars. Walking and riding through the city without the usual noise and pollution of traffic was a transformative experience. It wasn’t just about the joy of cycling or walking, it was about recognizing how much our cities have been shaped by cars and how much more vibrant and accessible they could be if we embraced alternative modes of transport.
As we walked and cycled through the city, I couldn’t help but reflect on how walking and cycling has become one of our most powerful tools in advocating for cleaner air. It’s a sustainable mode of transport that not only reduces emissions but also promotes health, wellness, and a sense of community. This event further strengthened my resolve to push for infrastructure that supports cycling and walking as primary modes of transport in our urban spaces.
The experience also sparked conversations with fellow participants about the need for more cycling-friendly infrastructure, better air quality monitoring, and green spaces that encourage active living. I was inspired by how many people, young and old, shared a commitment to cleaner air and a future where cars are no longer the dominant force shaping our cities.
Participating in World Car-Free Day was more than just an event, it was a call to action. It reignited my passion for advocating for cleaner air, and it emphasized the need of having sustainable transportation solutions available to everyone.
I’ve always known that reducing our reliance on cars is critical for tackling climate change, but seeing it in action, feeling the difference of breathing clean air and watching people come together to support the cause, was a profound reminder of what we stand to gain. Clean air isn’t just an environmental issue; it’s a health issue, a social issue, and a quality of life issue. Everyday that we reduce our dependence on cars is a step toward creating healthier, more sustainable cities.
This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to being a clean air advocate and deepened my resolve to push for policies that prioritize green transport, clean energy, and sustainable urban planning. It’s clear to me now, more than ever, that we can’t wait for change, we need to be the change. Whether it’s cycling more, advocating for better public transport, or simply encouraging others to consider alternatives to driving, every action counts.
Moving Forward: As I reflect on this year’s World Car-Free Day, I feel inspired and energized to continue my work as a clean air advocate. The experience of walking through a car-free city, the support of like minded individuals, and the commitment of local policymakers all serve as reminders that we can create a better, cleaner world for ourselves and future generations.
The fight for cleaner air is ongoing, but it is a fight that’s worth every pedal stroke, every walk, every run, every conversation, and every policy change. Let’s continue to make every day a step towards a car-free future, a future where clean air isn’t a luxury but a right for all. Join me in advocating for clean air, healthier cities, and sustainable transportation. Together, we can make a difference.
