Cities across the globe are closing their streets to vehicles today in celebration of World Car Free Day, as Labour pledged more than £100million to boost walking and cycling.
Today, Tuesday, September 22, marks World Car Free Day, an initiative designed to allow people to experience their towns and cities without motor traffic.
Cities around the world are taking place in the celebration, with many putting on events or launching special offers for motorists.
Transport for London and Santander Cycles have announced a new half-price offer for the monthly pass in celebration of World Car Free Day.
Londoners will be encouraged to leave their cars at home and choose active travel methods, including Santander bikes.
New subscribers will be able to purchase a Santander Cycles Monthly Pass for just £10, reduced from the usual £20.
The offer is available from today until 11.59 on Sunday, September 27, although this is only for new subscribers.
Will Norman, the Mayor of London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said: “Cycling is a fantastic way to get around London – especially now that we’ve grown our Cycleways network five-fold, helping people of all abilities to cycle safely across the capital.
Many cities and regions are taking part in World Car Free Day today
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GETTY
“I’m delighted that TfL is making it even cheaper and easier for more Londoners to get on a bike with this new Santander Cycles offer, which the Mayor and I encourage everyone to take up, as we continue building a greener and better London for all.”
It comes as the Government supports active travel with a new £104million funding boost to improve walking and cycling routes.
Funding will be rolled out over four years through the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust (WWCT), which develops, maintains, and improves the National Cycle Network.
Repairs and maintenance for bridges, tunnels and former railway infrastructure will also be included in the funding to further support active travel.
Transport for London is offering half-price monthly passes for World Car Free Day
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TFL
Speaking at the Making Active Places conference in Manchester earlier today, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the additional funding.
She said: “At least 60 per cent of children should be walking and cycling to school by 2035 – building on the landmark agreement we’ve signed with mayors to deliver 3,500 miles of footways, safer crossings and cycle lanes.
“It’s why we are supporting local pilots, including for wayfinding, as we move towards a consistent national Active Travel Network.”
The Scottish city of Glasgow is partnering with businesses to mark World Car Free Day and ensure journeys are greener.
Voi is offering special benefits for riders in Glasgow
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VOI/GLASGOW CITY COUNCILElectric bike operator Voi is offering riders a discounted three-day pass, while Hooplr is making its on-demand cycle parking hangars free for a week.
It follows a £9.3million boost for projects that will make walking, wheeling and cycling easier across the Scottish city.
Celebrations are also taking place around the world, including the Spanish region of Murcia, which will offer a 100 per cent discount on public transport services all day today.