The idea of a network of cities meeting to discuss traffic problems was first mooted by the European Commissioner for the Environment in June 1992. Two years later, in Amsterdam on 24-25 May 1994, Car Free Cities was launched as the result of collaboration between the Urban Environment Unit of DG XI and Eurocities, in the framework of the EU´s Fifth Environmental Action Programme, "Towards Sustainability."
In Amsterdam, the mayors of 35 cities signed a "Car Free Cities Charter," setting out the key aims of the network:
• to encourage the reduced use of passanger cars and
• to promote environmentally-friendly modes of both passenger and commercial transport in urban areas.
In order to achieve these goals, members commit themselves to exchanging ideas and experiences, developing transnational projects and exploring as well as implementing good practice in technology and management.
The Working Groups
The network presently has some 60 members from throughout the European Union - from Iceland, Poland, the Czech Republic and Israel. Member cities participate in the activities of the network working groups, which explore the following themes:
• Cycling and walking
• Commercial traffic
• Public transport
• Commuting
• Practical alternatives to the car
• Less pollutive urban vehicles
The working groups are not only a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences, but are also the starting point for joint actions or studies. Examples include a study into different types of light rail systems by the public transport working group, a comparative guide to parking policy by the commuting working group and a brochure explaining how car-sharing works, produced by the group looking at practical alternatives to car use. Future activities will include focusing on city bike schemes and hybrid buses as well as examining mobility management schemes in practice.
Further information, Ms Elisabetta Zanon.
