Residents are being encouraged to get involved by leaving the car at home and making the Car Free Pledge.
Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw to win a fantastic range of rewards, including free Metro travel, unlimited bus travel, a refurbished bike, Eldon Square vouchers and a family pass to Alnwick Garden.
A packed programme of activities, events and incentives will take place across the city, giving residents the opportunity to experience Newcastle in a different way while exploring alternatives to car travel that can improve health, save money and help reduce congestion and air pollution.
As part of the celebrations, Newcastle Civic Centre will host a free drop-in event on 22 September, where visitors can meet a range of organisations promoting sustainable travel and find out more about the travel options available across the city.
Cllr James Coles, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Housing and Green Investment, Newcastle City Council said: "World Car Free Day is a fantastic opportunity for people to try something different and experience just how easy, enjoyable and rewarding it can be to travel without a car.
Whether it's walking, wheeling, cycling or using public transport, even small changes to the way we travel can make a real difference to our health, our neighbourhoods and our environment.
We're thrilled to see so many organisations, schools and community groups getting involved this year. Their support is helping to shine a spotlight on the fantastic sustainable travel options available in Newcastle. We hope as many people as possible will get involved, make the Car Free Pledge and be part of making Newcastle cleaner, greener and more connected."
By taking on the Car Free Challenge by making the Car Free Pledge and leaving the car at home for the day residents will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a fantastic selection of prizes, including:
- A funded Pop card for Metro travel, courtesy of Nexus
- One week's unlimited bus travel from Stagecoach and Arriva
- A refurbished bike from Recyke Y'Bike
- A family pass to Alnwick Garden, courtesy of Arriva
- Eldon Square gift vouchers
Recyke Y'Bike, will also be offering free bike services at the Civic Centre, Freeman Hospital and Regent Point including;
- Free bike repair: The Dr Bike will focus on minor repairs and replacements, such as brakes and gears, and we can give you advice on how to maintain your bike. Registrations for bike repairs can be made online.
- Pop-up Bike Sales: Recyke y'Bike will be bringing a selection of refurbished bikes (adult and children).
- Pop-up Bike Accessory Sales: They will also be selling new bike accessories from locks to lights and many more
There’s also an exciting opportunity to try out an e-bike through free trial sessions, while complimentary heritage walking tours will invite people to discover Newcastle’s rich history, uncover hidden gems, and experience the city from a fresh perspective, all without relying on a car.
Thirteen community organisations have been awarded funding to deliver a fantastic programme of local World Car Free Day activities focused on sustainable travel, wellbeing and community connection. Many of the projects are designed to support people experiencing transport deprivation or those who lack confidence travelling independently, helping more people access opportunities within their communities.
Also, to mark Catch the Bus Month and World Car Free Day, bus operators are joining forces in the city centre to promote public transport on Saturday the 19th of September. They will be giving out a range of freebies including day passes to be used on World Car Free Day.
Going completely car free is not possible for everyone and residents who need to use a car can still support the campaign by sharing the message with friends, family and colleagues who may be able to choose another way to travel. Alternatives such as car sharing can also help reduce traffic, improve air quality and lower emissions.
Choosing active travel, even for one day, can bring significant benefits, including:
- Improving physical and mental wellbeing
- Boosting energy levels
- Saving money on fuel and parking
- Reducing air pollution and carbon emissions
- Helping people connect with their city and local communities in new ways
Residents can find out more about World Car Free Day and make their Car Free Pledge by visiting the car free day website, which includes full details of activities taking place across the city, alongside information about offers and incentives available from participating organisations.
There will be no World Car Free Day road closures in place as part of the programme. However, Sandyford Square car park, located to the rear of Newcastle Civic Centre, will be closed for the day to accommodate sustainable travel demonstrations and activities.