WORLD CARFREE NEWS >>> ____________________________________ Edition 69 ? July 2009 ? English version ____________________________________ Contents: QUOTATION OF THE MONTH WORLD CARFREE NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS - Network Capacity Building Seminar & AGM 2009, Prague, Czech Republic (November 5-8) - Steering Committee Vacancies - European Voluntary Service Internship - Call for World Carfree Day Spokespeople - Logo Redesign Contest - New Carfree Blogosphere! - Coming up in Carbusters 39! GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS - "Thinking SMART First: Making Sustainable Transport Work", Yorkshire and Humber, UK (July 17) - "Forging Ahead in Uncertain Times", Seattle, Washington, US (July 19-22) - "Cycling Trends for City and Nature", Munich, Germany (July 25-26) - 2009 European Greenways Award - 2010 Sustainable Transportation Award - Carfree Beach Holidays IN THE NEWS - Indonesia's Traffic Nightmare - Plans to Ease Mumbai Traffic Chaos - Traffic Jams Haunt China - Beijing?s Ambitious Plan for Public Transportation - China's Electric Bicycle Boom - Industry Fears Carfree Future in America - Make Way for Megatrucks - Criticism for Scrappage Schemes - New High Speed Rail Service for Italy - 36 Reasons Trams are better than Buses REPORTS - Global Status Report on Road Safety - Sustainable Urban Transport in Developing Countries - The Bicycle Lifestyle Guide MEDIA & NETWORKING - Blind Spots - The Greatest Threat to our Planet - Open Green Map Launch - Calculate your Annual Emissions CURIOS - Authentic Carbusting - The Joy of Traffic - The Car in British Society SUPPORT WORLD CARFREE NETWORK
___________________________________ QUOTATION OF THE MONTH >> ____________________________________ "Without the government's participation and support, there is no future for public transport" Alain Flausch, president of the International Association of Public Transport UITP, speaking at the 58th World Congress and Mobility & City Transport Exhibition held in Vienna in June. The development of "smart" and "green" urban public transport and the promotion of its market share were the underlying messages from the event. ___________________________________ WORLD CARFREE NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS >> ____________________________________ - Network Capacity Building Seminar & AGM 2009, Prague, Czech Republic (November 5-8) World Carfree Network is happy to announce a 4-day event consisting of capacity building and network development workshops, together with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2009, November 5-8, in Prague, Czech Republic. It?s been a while since the Network has had a gathering in Europe. Therefore we wish to create as inspirational and empowering event as possible in order to reconnect and revitalise ourselves. We are currently compiling the programme and for that we need your assistance: Please send your interests, hopes and wishes regarding the AGM and the seminar to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Steering Committee Vacancies The World Carfree Network is looking for new Steering Committee (SC) representatives. The SC provides overall vision and strategic planning, in cooperation with the International Coordination Centre, member organisations and individual members. There can be 7-13 volunteer SC members, serving for a two-year period. Nominations are being accepted until the summer period. Further information and how to apply, please visit: http://www.worldcarfree.net/about_us/europe/jobs.php - European Voluntary Service Internship We're looking for a volunteer aged 18-30 to work at our office in Prague, Czech Republic for a 12-month period, through the European Voluntary Service (EVS) programme. The network is looking for someone passionate about improving the built environment in terms of transport and urban design, and ideally active in a network member organisation. Skills particularly in demand are website design and management, communication and media skills. If you are interested, please send your CV and a letter of motivation to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
by July 15. For more information see: http://www.worldcarfree.net/about_us/europe/jobs.php. - Call for World Carfree Day Spokespeople Every September 22, people from around the world get together in the streets and neighbourhoods to celebrate World Carfree Day and to remind the world that we don't have to accept our car-dominated society! WCN works to promote and support World Carfree Day at the international level and therefore we are on the lookout for World Carfree Day spokespeople from all continents to help with our promotion and information-sharing task. The task at hand consists of working with the media and communications on the lead up to and on the day. For more information please contact
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. And now is the time to begin sharing your ideas, planning and promoting your World Carfree Day events: Join our Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/World-Carfree-Day/105859026612?ref=ts Add your event to the WCD Wiki page: http://editthis.info/wcd/Main_Page WCD SPECIAL OFFER! For WCN members only, we are providing some of our most popular Resource Centre items (including T-shirts, stickers, books) for you to sell or to give away at your events, at a reduced price. Please email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information and to place an order. - Logo Redesign Contest You are probably familiar with the little green man, our logo, if not see http://www.worldcarfree.net/. Although we love him, we feel it's now time gave the WCN logo a makeover. And we'd like your help doing this! If you would like to take part in the logo redesign contest, please send your new design proposals, graphics and artwork to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Closing date for entries is August 31 and the winning design will be chosen at the November AGM in Prague, Czech Republic. For more information and guidelines, please email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- New Carfree Blogosphere! The WCN is proud to announce "The Carfree Blogosphere", the space to share information and discuss issues relevant to eliminating car dependency, exploring alternatives and to celebrate carfree living. We invite you to blog with us - please send your letters, articles, news, pictures and videos to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and visit the Carfree Blogosphere at http://worldcarfree.wordpress.com - Coming up in Carbusters 39! The next edition of Carbusters is not far off. But for those who just can't wait here's a quick glimpse of what's on offer: a special on China and its progress for a carfree future; a deeper look into one of the sustainable alternatives - carfree walks; an interview with Chris Carlsson who helped launch the Critical Mass bike demonstrations; and something pleasing to the eye?a celebration of carfree cartoons! Subscribe to Carbusters magazine: https://store.kagi.com/cgi-bin/store.cgi?storeID=8WP&& Follow Carbusters online: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carbusters-magazine/15367218301?ref=ts ____________________________________ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS >> ____________________________________ - "Thinking SMART First: Making Sustainable Transport Work", Yorkshire and Humber, UK (July 17) This one-day event from ACT Travelwise covers topics including the latest UK government guidelines on travel plans, planning guidance and sustainable travel. Entrance is free of charge. http://www.acttravelwise.org/events/2009/07/17/641 - "Forging Ahead in Uncertain Times", Seattle, Washington, US (July 19-22) 2009 Joint Summer Meeting organised by the Transportation Research Board will join over 300 transportation professionals in open committee meetings and discussions. http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=ed57e411-12a8-456d-bfba-8f8b3b33b851 - "Cycling Trends for City and Nature", Munich, Germany (July 25-26) This Bike Expo is a summer preview of innovations from the bike sector that will be seen next season. It also features an innovation forum "The Future of Bike Mobility" focusing on sustainable mobility, where experts discuss approaches for strengthening bike mobility. Participation is free of charge. http://www.bike-expo.com/prj_45/view/index.cfm?lng=2&nv=4&elb=45.110.286.1.13530 - European Greenways Award 2009 European Greenways Association calls for candidates for the 4th European Greenways Award. Categories include: "Sustainable Development and Tourism" and "Mobility". Deadline is July 15 and the awards ceremony takes place on October 9 in Belgium. http://www.egwa-aevv.org/europeangreenwaysaward/default.htm - Sustainable Transportation Award 2010 The 6th Annual Sustainable Transport Award nomination process is now open. The Award recognises a city that has made the most significant progress during the year in areas including improving public transportation and public space. Deadline is September 15. http://itdp.org/index.php/sustainable_transport_award/ - Carfree Beach Holidays Would you enjoy a carfree beach holiday in the US? If so then check out Steve Atlas' new e-book "Car Free at the Beach: 20 U.S. Beaches You Can Enjoy Without a Car". The book includes a special on beach communities without a car, best areas for non-drivers to stay and visit, and planning your carfree holiday. http://carfreeamerica.com/ ____________________________________ IN THE NEWS >> ____________________________________ - Indonesia's Traffic Nightmare New laws in Jakarta that require disabled pedestrians to wear traffic signs announcing their condition so motorists won't run them down as they cross the street, have met with frustration in Indonesia, where in the eyes of the law cars have taken priority over people. Analysts have said the laws will do nothing to improve road safety or ease the traffic, and serve only to highlight official incompetence. http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/SE%2BAsia/Story/STIStory_396512.html - Plans to Ease Mumbai Traffic Chaos The Indian government has come up with four significant suggestions to ease the chaotic traffic on Mumbai roads. Among the proposals that emerged from a government meeting was to restrict all those who do not own off-street parking space from buying a car. Mumbai gets nearly 350 new cars daily and the figure is likely to go up dramatically once the ultra cheap "Nano" car hits the city. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4698959.cms?frm=mailtofriend - Traffic Jams Haunt China Nearly 80 percent of urban Chinese said in an online poll that traffic jams haunt their cities during rush hours. The survey by China Youth Daily, also showed people living in Beijing aged 20-40 complained about crowded underground lines and buses. Beijing, the nation's capital with some 18 million residents, has long been known among the Chinese as the "capital of traffic jam". The city has around three million cars on the streets every day. Its eight underground lines and 25,000 buses are jammed like sardines during rush hours. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/16/content_11552111.htm - Beijing?s Ambitious Plan for Public Transportation The city of Beijing, China, will transform into a "public transport city" by 2015. Plans for this major project include: 2 minute departure interval for subway trains at peak hours, less than 500m distance for residents to the nearest bus stop, 13 passenger transport hubs, and more bicycle parking spaces. http://www.beijingdaily.com.cn/beijingnews/200906/t20090612_524515.htm - China's Electric Bicycle Boom Transportation in China is undergoing a boom in electric bicycles. 21 million e-bikes were bought in 2008, compared with 9.4 million autos ? there are now four times as many e-bikes than cars on the road. Thanks to government encouragement and a population well versed in riding two wheels to work, and has the world's leading market for the electric cycles. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1904334,00.html?artId=1904334?contType=?chn=world - Industry Fears Carfree Future in America Collapsing car sales in the US is indicating that many Americans are rethinking whether they need so many cars, particularly new ones. The US Treasury Department?s advisers, initially expected auto sales to pick up late next year, now foresee no jump in demand now or in 2010. If sales do not recover, the Treasury will have to provide yet more financial support for auto industry giants, before they can stand on their own. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/business/31car.html?_r=2 - Make Way for Megatrucks The introduction of larger trucks on UK roads industry claims will reduce congestion and pollution, this measure is taken as the EU considers introduction of "road trains" across Europe. These "megatrucks" would be more than 25.2m long and weigh 60 tonnes, nearly a third longer and heavier than any vehicle allowed on UK roads at present. Opponents of megatrucks have pointed out the damage to the environment and the concerns for road safety. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/jun/23/eu-mega-trucks-road-trains - Criticism for Scrappage Schemes A study by a German economics institute has heavily criticised car "scrappage" schemes as distorting competition, subsidising cars, and creating problems for the future. Environmentalists also criticise the schemes as being economically, environmentally and socially damaging further entrenching car dependency, and primarily favouring those wealthy enough to buy a new car. http://www.transportenvironment.org/News/2009/6/Scrappage-payouts-questionable-on-economic-grounds/ - New High Speed Rail Service for Italy Italy?s national railway, Trenitalia, which introduced high-speed rail service between Naples and Milan last December, will soon be getting some competition. In 2011, a new privately owned high-speed train company plans to introduce a stylish fleet of 25 trains to run between Naples and Turin. The billion Euro project hopes to produce trains that are mostly constructed from recyclable materials and consume 15 percent less energy than current high-speed trains, and fares will be competitive with those of Trenitalia. http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/new-high-speed-rail-service-in-italy/ - 36 Reasons Trams are better than Buses If you want a system that really attracts riders and investment, many transit experts will attest that trams are the best investment a city can make. For cities facing a choice between building a tram system or high-end Bus Rapid Transit, this impressive list shows many reasons why riders overwhelmingly prefer trams, comments range from the obvious to the wonderfully creative. http://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/06/03/36-reasons-that-streetcars-are-better-than-buses/ ____________________________ REPORTS >> ____________________________________ - Global Status Report on Road Safety Report on Traffic Accidents by the World Health Organisation (WHO) called "Global Status Report on Road Safety" shows that road traffic injuries remain an important public health problem, particularly for low and middle-income countries. Roughly 1.3 million people die each year on the world's roads, and the report highlights the need for more attention to be given to road safety programmes. http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/road_safety_status/2009/en/ - Sustainable Urban Transport in Developing Countries Sustainable Urban Transport Project has published "Sustainable Urban Transport: A Sourcebook for Policy-makers in Developing Countries". It has been adapted especially for the South Asian context and serves as a toolkit for policy-makers and city governments adopting sustainable transport solutions. http://www.sutp.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1568&Itemid=1&lang=uk - The Bicycle Lifestyle Guide Designed by Cyclists Inciting Change through Live Exchange (CICLE), this booklet provides many cycling interesting tips and ideas to "Get you inspired ? to give you a glimpse of just how cool life on a bicycle can be". http://issuu.com/cicle/docs/bicycle-lifestyle-guide?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=FFFFFF&showFlipBtn=true&autoFlip=true&autoFlipTime=6000 ____________________________________ MEDIA CORNER >> ____________________________________ - Blind Spots This video made by a Parisian cyclist about daily problems faced by cyclists and sharing the streets with different users. It shows how much more work is needed to create a safe environment for cyclists. The video is in French, but very visual and easy to understand. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAethD1Io_Y - The Greatest Threat to our Planet This video demonstrates the virtues of new urbanism to reduce our emissions and organise urban space for a better community life. Just watch, enjoy and spread the word http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGJt_YXIoJI - Open Green Map Launch Green Map, launched on World Environment Day 2009, is a social mapping platform to share local information on cultural and green living on a global scale. So, "think global, map local" and go visit: http://www.opengreenmap.org/ - Calculate your Annual Emissions The Urban Transportation Emissions Calculator is a user-friendly tool for estimating annual emissions from personal, commercial, and public transit vehicles. It estimates greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle operation, production, and refining of transportation fuels, as well as from production of electricity used by electric vehicles. http://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/prog/2/UTEC-CETU/Menu.aspx?lang=eng ____________________________________ CURIOS >> ____________________________________ - Authentic Carbusting This short film takes us Carbusters back to our roots. An impressive display of carbusting from a man destroying a car single-handedly ? literally! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n_9Nd9bhco - The Joy of Traffic This video shows the journey of a brave pedestrian crossing an insane intersection of a city centre crossroad. In a few clicks, you will travel around a world of cars (Cairo, South Africa, Istanbul, Mumbai?). Be brave! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj4LrSxjTIM - The Car in British Society Report by the Royal Automobile Club emphasises the state of car dependency in the UK (and we can assume that it would be the same in many other countries). Coming from an automobile club, the report tries to discredit the development of public transportation and Foundation director, Stephen Glaister says, "The car is here to stay. There is no question of getting rid of cars." Read this scary report at: http://www.racfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=649&Itemid=35 ____________________________________ SUPPORT WORLD CARFREE NETWORK >> ____________________________________ Our joint carfree vision is only as strong as the people who support us. By donating to WCN you'll strengthen the voice of the movement that's committed to defending our right to a sound, sustainable future. For donating and joining as a member, please visit: http://www.worldcarfree.net/join/ Your support will make a huge difference. __________________________________ Bulletin #69 by Jane Harding and Marko Thull World Carfree News - Monthly Newsletter WORLD CARFREE NETWORK http://www.worldcarfree.net/bulletin
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
World Carfree News is published once a month by World Carfree Network. To unsubscribe email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
World Carfree News is published once a month by World Carfree Network.
To unsubscribe, send an email to:
|
