Climate Action
Is Car-Free for Me?
September 22, 2025
On World Car-Free Day, the world is reminded to take a break from driving and explore their planet as pedestrians, bikers, and users of public transit. Event organizers hope that this will encourage more people to live a car-free lifestyle.
But is car-free really the right choice for you?
Cars don’t emit that much…?
In 2023, road transportation was responsible for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions: a staggering 6.16 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent. In 2022, light-duty vehicles like passenger cars and trucks were responsible for an estimated 57% of emissions from the United States’ transportation sector. This means reducing vehicle use and adopting renewable fuel and transit alternatives directly alters emission statistics.
So what would be the impact if you went car-free? Well, the United Nations estimates that relying on public transportation instead of personal vehicles can reduce up to 2.2 tons of carbon emissions annually per person.
According to an online emissions calculator, that’s roughly the same amount of carbon that’s released when you burn over 2,000 pounds of coal.
Obviously, no one wants to think of hopping in their car for a quick trip to the grocery store, restaurant, or favorite museum as equivalent to tossing a chunk of coal into a furnace, however, in terms of emissions, you’re in about the same spot.
“But!” you cry, “I have to drive! I can’t get anywhere otherwise!” Maybe that’s true. Transit deserts, where the demand for public transportation is greater than supply, are a significant issue. But in areas where public transit is available, let’s explore what alternatives exist.
Rail Systems: Germany
Roughly 22% of households in Germany do not own a private car, with rates higher among low-income households. This means accessible public transportation is essential. Germany has significantly invested in railway infrastructure, including the Alstom Coradia Ilinit line, the first hydrogen-powered passenger train. The train’s only byproduct is water and it doesn’t require electrified lines, making it an easy addition to existing non-electrified routes.
Outside of hydrogen advancements, the German trail network succeeds because of the variety of lines available. Whether you need to get between domestic cities, back to your town or region, or commute within a city, the €58 monthly Deutschland-Ticket covers almost all forms of local public transport (including trams, buses, and subways) in Germany. With all of these options, it’s easy to see why 75% of German citizens report using public transport.
Copenhagen’s Commitment to Bike Infrastructure
Maybe bikes are more your speed… let’s hop on a high speed train out of Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof Station and check out how Germany’s neighbor to the north has ensured that 62% of trips to work or school occur by bike. Welcome to Copenhagen, Denmark!
Ranked #1 in the world for cycling in 2019 by the Copenhagenize Index, a commute in Copenhagen likely looks different than what you’re used to. With an overwhelming number of commuters on two wheels instead of four, bike lines are a key part of the city’s infrastructure. Copenhagen boasts 546 kilometers (339 miles) of bike lanes and paths, including “cycle superhighways” or “supercykelstier” which connect suburban communities to the city center.
Copenhagen’s commitment to bike infrastructure extends to traffic regulation. Starting in 2007, the city implemented green waves, a system of timed traffic lights that allows a continuous flow of cyclists, as well as an extensive bike-sharing program. These initiatives make cycling not just a viable alternative, but often more convenient than a personal vehicle. The success of Copenhagen’s model lies in its holistic approach; it’s not just about discouraging cars, but actively making other modes of transport more appealing, efficient, and safe.
Building a car-free or car-lite community isn’t about restriction and punishment; it’s about creating livable spaces. When communities prioritize pedestrians and cyclists, they become more connected. Streets once dominated by traffic become spaces for art, recreation, and community gatherings, as seen at the JFK Promenade in San Francisco or 34th Avenue in New York City.
Not Ready to Go Fully Car-Free? Consider an EV
Perhaps a completely car-free life is a step too far for your current circumstances. Maybe you live in a transit desert, or your commute just isn’t possible to do on a bike. In these cases, moving toward a car-free lifestyle might not be feasible, but reducing your carbon emissions through your vehicle choices is still possible. How? Electric vehicles (EVs) are a powerful way to mitigate the environmental impact of driving.
While the production of EVs does have its own environmental costs, their lifecycle emissions are significantly lower than those of traditional gasoline-powered cars.The shift to EVs also reduces our reliance on fossil fuels, a critical step in the fight against climate change.
Cities are increasingly supporting this transition with investments in charging infrastructure and incentives for EV ownership. New technologies and a growing market mean that EVs are becoming an increasingly affordable option for many.
The Future of Transportation is Now
Ultimately, whether you choose to go completely car-free, adopt an EV, or simply use public transit more often, every decision matters. Germany and Denmark, with their robust rail networks and cycling cultures, show us that large-scale change is possible when it is supported by thoughtful policy, infrastructure investment, and a collective vision.The journey to a sustainable future begins with a single step… or perhaps a single pedal. If you back dumping fossil fuels and supporting the growth of clean energy in transport and every other conceivable way, please sign our petition – to call on world leaders to commit to renewable energy. It’s never been needed more.
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