Car-Free Day

Happy Car-Free Day! (Unfortunately, it falls on the only day of the week when I do actually use my car for the grocery run...)

Did you walk to work today? I did (would be silly not to). I know for many it's not really an option though. With the trend of living in one place and working far away from there, the roads are clogged regularly with commuters.

Many countries have an excellent public transport system, or roads system, or pedestrian system. Unfortunately South Africa isn't one of these - heck, even lift clubs are still not legal. Last year the government stated disappointment with the number of people who honoured the spirit of the day - unfortunately not much (nothing?) has been done to make it easier to use public transport since then! There are expensive things in the offing like the Gautrain (high speed train between Joburg and Pretoria, at a cost of billions and the disruption of everything from business to service lines) - but these will take forever to complete, if they ever really get around to it. So, Mr Government - want a car-free day? Please then take a good hard look at the infrastructure you're providing...

There are many reasons to go car-free, one of the big ones being environmental. It's common knowledge that we need to find alternatives for our massive use of oil and its derivitives - yet only the "fringe elements" are working to find other options. Big Business and Government sit back and wait for the crisis, or so it seems.

My opinion? We need to individually be looking for solutions that fit us, that fit our lifestyles and requirements. Whether it be biking or walking or perhaps creating a completely new way to travel. The easiest solution is to simply live and work in the same area!

OK, enough rambling on.... Happy Car-Free day!