Promoting and Establishing Carfree Zones in China

The rapid growth of the automobile industry and increasing popularity of the car in China has placed a great burden on the environment, economy, and lives of the people in China.

To address this issue, HealthBridge´s Roads for People programme (now part of the Liveable Cities programme) focuses on decreasing reliance on fuel-dependent transport and increasing the use of fuel-free and active means of transport such as cycling and walking to reduce pollution and increase health.

This work in China built on international experience of creating and promoting car-free zones (including pedestrian streets and carfree housing).

Objectives

The overall goal of this project was to improve the living environment and contribute to the health of the people of China promoting the establishment carfree zones, through the development of materials and resources, media advocacy, government relations, research and networking.

The objectives of the project were to:

• Increase public awareness of the carfree zone concept;
• Create and foster media, public and government interest in carfree zones, concepts and benefits
• Develop interest and initiate discussions among government officials to create carfree zones in China;
• Develop relations with international and local health, environmental and humanitarian agencies, relevant industries (e.g. real estate) and institutions (e.g. universities) in China and the region to promote carfree zones.

Results

The project report is here.