Wednesday 22 September is "In Town Without My Car" (ITWMC) Day: a day where local authorities are encouraged to close roads and launch new initiatives to promote alternatives to the car. This year, only a few councils in Greater Manchester are taking part in the day, attempting to persuade people to leave their cars behind and make better use of public transport. Last year, for example, Manchester closed Deansgate on the Sunday for a crafts fair. On the day itself, plans to close streets around Albert Square were abandoned due to downpours.
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) are publicizing this year's ITWMC Day and are offering car drivers a free Bus Day Saver if they pledge to leave their car at home on 22 September. Apply through newspaper advertorials, green travel coordinators at the workplaces (particularly councils) or online.
Public events are planned in Manchester, Rochdale and Bury, at which the GMPTE "Exhibus" will contain a full range of information and advice. Community Resources and Metrolink staff will be on hand to answer queries and also to raise support for the "Get Our Metrolink Back On Track" initiative.
Bury council are holding a Car Free Day party on Sat 18 September, based around Market Place in the town centre. The Mayor will officially set the party in motion at 10am from the Tower FM Radio Show Stage and it will be a day of live entertainment, fun, games and competitions for all ages, with free soft drinks and snacks. You will be able to learn about reduced car travel, the region's network of footpaths and cycle lanes and the public transport system. Bury Environment Week also includes a "Green Fuels" day on 23 Sept.
Manchester is to join hundreds of European towns and cities - including its German twin city Chemnitz - in a bid to persuade people to leave their cars behind and make better use of other forms of transport. There will be a variety of events aimed at raising awareness of the health and environmental benefits to be gained from using travel alternatives to the car. Road closures around St Ann's Square from 10am until 5pm will bring a welcome opportunity to wander through the heart of the city centre without a care for traffic. St Ann's Street will have been "greened" overnight, allowing city dwellers, workers and visitors to enjoy a fume free al fresco lunch on the urban picnic lawn. There will be a wide range of stalls offering advice and information about travel alternatives with trained staff offering personal "journey planners" suited to individual requirements. For those who fancy cycling, staff will be on hand to give advice on bikes and cycling safety plus free maps and guides to local rides and accessories for sale.
Manchester's Environmental Campaigns Staff, in partnership with the Road Safety Unit, will be running workshops throughout the day where pupils from St Paul's Primary in Withington and Temple Primary in Cheetham will be working with community artist Brian Raymond on art projects linking in with School Travel Plans and the National Curriculum. They will also be staging a demonstration of the "walking bus" system around St Ann's Street and St Ann's Square before embarking on an Urban Walk.
Occupational health nurses will be on hand to carry out free basic health checks and advice on diet, lifestyle and exercise will be available. In keeping with the European theme, visitors to St Ann's Square can enjoy the bustle of Manchester Markets' Arts & Crafts market, live music, street theatre and roving entertainers.
A half-day conference on Monday 20 September will look at plans and proposals to make it easier for people to get about the borough.
Catriona, of the Environment Network for Manchester, commented "Manchester should be proud that it is joining hundreds of cities across Europe to celebrate 'In Town Without My Car Day' and the Environment Network welcomes the initiatives such as free bus passes, cycling and walking promotions. However, some members feel that the message about the need to increase cycling, walking and public transport use would have been more effective, and a commitment to the importance of non-car users would be demonstrated if the Council had built on 2003's Car Free Day which actually saw Deansgate free for pedestrians to use."
Many people would like to see higher profile and long term initiatives from the various councils, particular Manchester given its aim to be the greenest in the land (see Greening the City).
Steve Poole, GMPTE Promotions Officer (0161 242 6292)
Lisa Houghton, Bury MBC (0161 253 5275)
Deborah Grace, Press Office, Manchester City Council (0161 234 3332)
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