World car-free day: Exploring cities that have embraced a life without cars
In 2024, the global number of cars reached 1.475 billion, averaging one car for every 5.5 people. While cars offer convenience, they come at an environmental cost—each vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). The combined impact of over a billion cars paints a grim picture for our planet.
However, a few cities around the world have taken a different path, opting to stay car-free. On World Car-Free Day, let’s take a look at some of these unique, traffic-free destinations:
Zermatt (Switzerland):At the foot of the Matterhorn, this alpine town has been car-free for decades. Visitors reach it by shuttle train, and within Zermatt, eTaxis, bikes, and free eBuses offer alternatives to cars.
La Digue Island (Seychelles): Known for its laid-back pace, La Digue is a car-free paradise. Bicycles and electric buggies are the primary means of transport, allowing visitors to enjoy the island's scenic beaches and wildlife without the hassle of traffic.
Venice (Italy): With over 400 bridges connecting its islands, Venice’s historic center is entirely car-free. Footpaths and canals define the city, which attracts millions of tourists each year.
Lamu (Kenya): This ancient Swahili town has banned cars, relying instead on donkeys and dhows for transportation. Its narrow streets, lined with centuries-old architecture, offer a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.
Fes el Bali (Morocco): Fes’s medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s largest car-free zones. Its labyrinthine streets are often too narrow for even bicycles, preserving its authentic feel.
Ghent (Belgium): Since 2017, Ghent's city center has been car-free. A network of buses, trams, and electric boats provide eco-friendly transportation throughout this historic university town.
Hydra (Greece): Cars and bicycles are banned on this mountainous island, leaving walking and mule rides as the main modes of transportation.
Giethoorn (Netherlands): Dubbed the "Dutch Venice," Giethoorn lacks cars and roads. Canals and footbridges guide visitors through this picturesque village, offering a peaceful escape from modern transportation.
Yelapa (Mexico): Accessible only by boat, this tranquil village on the Bay of Banderas offers a glimpse of simple living, with no cars and a connection to nature.
These car-free cities remind us that it’s possible to live without the constant noise and pollution of cars, offering a cleaner, quieter way of life.
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South African police arrest suspect in mass shooting that killed 12, including 3 children
Johannesburg (AP): A 32-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a mass shooting which claimed the lives of 12 people including three children at an unlicensed pub earlier this month, South African police said on Monday.
The man is suspected of being one of the three people who opened fire on patrons in a pub at Saulsville township, west of South Africa's capital Pretoria, killing 12 people including three children aged 3, 12 and 16.
At least 13 people were also injured during the attack, whose motive remains unknown.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested on Sunday while traveling to Botlokwa in Limpopo province, more than 340 km from where the mass shooting took place on Dec 6.
An unlicensed firearm believed to have been used during the attack was recovered from the suspect's vehicle.
“The 32-year-old suspect was intercepted by Limpopo Tracking Team on the R101 Road in Westenburg precinct. During the arrest, the team recovered an unlicensed firearm, a hand gun, believed to have been used in the commission of the multiple murders. The firearm will be taken to the Forensic Science Laboratory for ballistic analysis,” police said in statement.
The suspect was arrested on the same day that another mass shooting at a pub took place in the Bekkersdal township, west of Johannesburg, in which nine people were killed and 10 wounded when unknown gunmen opened fire on patrons.
Police have since launched a search for the suspects.
South Africa has one of the highest homicide rates in the world and recorded more than 26,000 homicides in 2024 — an average of more than 70 a day. Firearms are by far the leading cause of death in homicides.
The country of 62 million people has relatively strict gun ownership laws, but many killings are committed with illegal guns, according to authorities.
According to police, mass shootings at unlicensed bars are becoming a serious problem. Police shut down more than 11,000 illegal taverns between April and September this year and arrested more than 18,000 people for involvement in illegal liquor sales.
