Everything you need to know about going car-free

We believe everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, so we have been campaigning for years to tackle air pollution. But if you don’t drive a car, what are the alternative ways to travel? Sandra Green is a campaigner for Car-Free Birmingham at Possible, encouraging people to cut out private car use in our cities. Here she shares seven tips on how to try out going car-free – and ensuring you have adventures along the way.

1. Do your research

Make a list of all your travel needs and work out the best type of transport for each one. For example, you might want to try cycling to school, going to work on the bus, going to the pub in a shared taxi or minicab. Don’t feel guilty if you sometimes need to use a taxi!

2. Enjoy being sociable

Think of the journey as just as important as the destination. You can have a proper conversation if you are walking with someone, you can read a book or listen to podcasts if you are on the bus, you can get fit by cycling or walking regularly and feel the wind in your hair! We take card games (Top Trumps, Uno, or Exploding Kittens) on train journeys with the children. Whilst walking to school the other day, we saw a family of ducks crossing the road and a huge mushroom in someone’s front garden!

If you think you’ll be tempted to use your car, you could park further away from your house. That way, you won't automatically jump in your car when you leave the house. It will make you think twice - perhaps you could travel by another means.

3. Get others involved

Recruit a friend or colleague to go car-free with you. That way you can increase your positive impact, share the joy and swap transport tips!

4. Keep a look out for deals

Look for deals - your employer may offer discounted travel cards for public transport, or savings on buying a bike and gear via the Cycle To Work scheme. They may even pay a mileage allowance if you use your bike for work trips.

Always make sure to check train timetables as it can help to save money if you can avoid on-peak travel. Although you have to initially pay out, investing in a railcard can help save you up a third on off-peak rail journeys and some companies also offer discounts to family attractions if you travel by train. Weekly and monthly public transport tickets are better value for money and are a great option if you have to commute into work every day.

5. Download useful apps

Use apps to plan your routes and rediscover your city. If you haven’t walked or cycled much lately, you might be surprised at the beautiful, green walkways and cycle paths that have been built. I use Moovit and Komoot. CityMapper is good too, but you can even use Google Maps - just click on the relevant symbol to get directions for public transport, walking and cycling.

6. Get on your bike

Look into finding some training (Bikeability works with your local authority) on riding a bike, build up your confidence, and make sure you have all the accessories. That way, you will be able to cycle in all weather conditions and put your bag on the bike instead of on your back. If you don’t feel super fit, or if you expect to regularly ride up steep hills, or carrying a heavy bag, invest in an electric bike.

7. Join a car share scheme

Join a car club or car share scheme. Then, when you do want to use a car, you can easily book one, for as little as an hour, any time of day or night. We joined Co-wheels. You only pay to drive when you are actually using a car.

Celebrate your new car-free life! There’s a tremendous sense of liberation when you no longer have to pay to own a car. There’s also a warm fuzzy feeling of pride - you are taking action to help clean up the air, tackle climate change and connect with your surroundings. You’ll meet more people, animals and plants, and maybe you’ll have some interesting adventures too!