Motorists in the Bay of Plenty can join people around the globe by leaving their cars at home on Wednesday, September 22, to celebrate World Car Free Day.

World Car Free Day encourages car users to choose an alternative mode of transport. Although there were unofficial car free days in the 1970s, World Car Free Day began in 2000 with hundreds of cities around the world taking part.

Tauranga City Council director of transport Brendan Bisley says cars are a useful and convenient way to travel but at peak times, the main routes get heavily congested.

'The 2018 census showed about 76 per cent of people in Tauranga travel to work in a private or company vehicle, so World Car Free Day presents an ideal opportunity to try other modes of transport we have available in our city.

'Over the past 18 months through Covid-19 lockdowns, we've seen how pleasant it is to be out walking or cycling when there are fewer vehicles on the road.”

Fewer vehicles on the road also contributes to lower carbon emissions, better traffic flow and more parking availability, says Brendan.

'Some people have to drive, but there are many of us who can change – even if it is just once a week.”

One way to get around is to switch four wheels for two, strap on a helmet and cycle to work. Tauranga has a network of urban cycle trails, cycle lanes and shared paths. If you choose to cycle, make sure to be bright, be safe and be seen, says Brendan.

If your commute is too far to walk, mix it up and bus some of the way and walk, bike or scooter the rest of the way. A 15 to 20-minute walk twice a day is a great way to help improve both your physical and mental health.

If you choose to travel by bus, using the Bee card is great for contactless payment and you can top up online. You can read, work or relax on a bus. Buses are running under Alert Level 2 guidelines – check out services at www.baybus.co.nz.

Working from home, as many people are under Alert Level 2, also provides a good opportunity to leave the car at home.

Workplaces can also get involved in World Car Free Day by promoting the benefits of walking, cycling or catching public transport to get to work.

World Car Free Day not only promotes healthy lifestyles, it also promotes vibrant cities where people like to live and work, says Brendan.

Encouraging your staff, students, colleagues or whānau to commute car free is beneficial for all, so join in World Car Free Day to help make Tauranga a better place to live and work, he says.

For more information email workplacetravel@tauranga.govt.nz or visit our website to find out how you can get involved in our region.