Across Europe, cities are leading the way toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. One of the major ways they're doing that is by reducing car dependency. From Paris to Oslo, from Milan to London,
more than 340 cities and towns have enacted restrictions on personal car use, creating more space for pedestrians, cyclists, and efficient public transit systems. These policies are
improving air quality, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and making urban spaces safer and more livable.Yet in the United States,
most cities remain car-dominated, prioritizing roadways and parking over people's well-being. When New York City attempted to introduce a congestion pricing plan to reduce traffic and fund public transit, Republicans were outraged and intervened.
If we are serious about tackling climate change, improving air quality, and protecting public health, then the U.S. - one of the world's largest carbon polluters - must follow Europe's lead. Sign the petition!Reducing car dependency is not about taking away mobility -
it's about creating better alternatives. As one Parisian urban planning specialist, professor Carlos Moreno, has explained: the goal is to make sustainable living so convenient, cars only become necessary as a last resort. This means building up options around to make pedestrian paths, biking areas, and public transit more accessible.
The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, with cars and trucks emitting vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. These emissions trap heat in the atmosphere, driving the increasingly frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, heatwaves, and other climate disasters we are already experiencing.
Reducing car dependency is one of the most effective ways cities can cut emissions, slow global warming, and build a more sustainable future.
At the same time, vehicle emissions are also a major source of
air pollution, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides, which are linked to
respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and premature deaths. Cities that have implemented car restrictions have seen significant improvements in air quality, directly benefiting public health and saving lives.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many U.S. cities adapted to become more pedestrian-friendly by removing parking spots, limiting through-traffic in certain areas, and expanding sidewalk access by relocating outdoor restaurant seating onto sections of pavement formerly covered by cars. Obviously we can continue with this type of approach!
Even better, the U.S. should also invest in major infrastructure projects to build out and improve public transportation options, so that residents can have easy alternatives to cars.A well-designed, people-centered city prioritizes clean air, safety, and efficient transportation for everyone. European cities have shown that it is possible.
It's time for U.S. cities to step up and embrace the future. Sign the petition today to demand action for cleaner, healthier, and more livable cities!