Transport for London (TfL) has launched this year’s Car Free Day campaign, which sees it team up with participating London boroughs and the Mayor to urge Londoners to walk and cycle and pledge to go car-free.
This year’s campaign will be run online until Car Free Day on Tuesday 22 September, showcasing Londoners’ work to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles and support London’s green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
Londoners are being encouraged to take part by exploring their city on foot or by cycle and sharing their stories on social media using the hashtag #MyCarFreeTrip.
Anyone pledging to take car-free trips by walking or cycling this month will also be in with a chance to win prizes offered by Brompton Bikes, GoPro and Santander Cycles. Entrants must share their content and tag, comment, follow and use the hashtag #MyCarFreeTrip on Instagram, or email their entry to [email protected].
Santander Cycles is also offering free hires across London on Car Free Day itself to support the campaign. For free access on Car Free Day, use the code CFD2020 via the free Santander Cycles app or directly at a docking station (bank card required to complete transaction). Londoners can also use code CFD25OFF to get 25% off a Santander Cycles annual membership – that equates to £67.50 for the year, with all 30-minute journeys included. The annual membership discount code is valid for redemption on 22 and 23 September only and must be redeemed as a new or existing member online or via the Santander Cycles app.
As part of Car Free Day, TfL’s Walking and Cycling Grants London scheme is now open for applications. This year, the scheme is funded in partnership with The London Marathon Charitable Trust (The Trust) as part of a new five-year programme to inspire Londoners to cycle and walk.
TfL, The Trust and Groundwork London are jointly inviting community and not-for-profit groups across London to apply for grants to get their communities walking and cycling, many of whom have been adversely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Applications are now open at https://wcgl.london and close on 15 October. Applicants can apply for grants of up to £10,000 over a three-year period.
Christina Calderato, head of transport strategy and planning at TfL, said: “As the city recovers from the pandemic, we are doing everything we can to embrace the challenge of eradicating air pollution permanently. Engaging the public to imagine their city car-free this September will help us along this journey.”
