July 23rd 2024.
James Marshall, a young man living in Oxford, recently had the opportunity to participate in an experiment that required him to give up using his car for three weeks. As someone who has always relied on their car for transportation, this was a big change for James. He was used to driving to work every day, stuck in traffic and focused on the road, often forgetting to appreciate the beauty of his city.
James had been driving since he was 17, mainly because he craved independence. His first car was a Nissan Micra that he purchased with his savings from a weekend job and a little help from his mom. The freedom of being able to go wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted, was something he cherished. However, growing up in Englefield Green, a small village with limited public transportation and walking options, driving was necessary.
Even when James moved to a city with better transportation options, he still continued to rely on his car. It wasn't until a few years ago, when he became more aware of his carbon footprint and the impact of driving on the environment, that he started to question his reliance on his car.
When a friend told him about a research project that required participants to give up their cars for three weeks, James saw it as an opportunity to make a change. As someone who has always cared about the climate and air quality, he wanted to see how giving up his car would affect his life.
As a scientist, James was interested in the clean energy transition but realized that he wasn't actively contributing to it by driving a petrol car around the city. Giving up his car for the experiment, he immediately noticed a change in his mood. No longer stuck in traffic, he had the chance to interact with colleagues on the bus, some even using the time for work meetings. He was able to relax, read a book, and appreciate the beauty of his surroundings.
The results of the experiment, run by climate charity Possible, were astonishing. On average, participants were able to cut their transport carbon footprint by over 50%, and some were even able to eliminate it completely. James and ten others have decided to reduce their car use permanently, and three, including James, have made the drastic lifestyle change of giving up their cars altogether.
For James, this decision was solidified when his car failed its MOT. Instead of feeling devastated, he felt a sense of relief. Finally, he could go car-free for good, something he never would have believed a few months ago. Of course, this challenge may not be possible for everyone, as cars are a necessity for many, including those with disabilities, caring responsibilities, and those living in rural areas like James did.
But James believes that in order for people to have the option of going car-free, there needs to be reliable, effective, and low-cost public transportation. Cities and towns need to invest in public transport services, cycling infrastructure, and safer streets for pedestrians. By doing so, people can make a climate-conscious choice and enjoy the journey, instead of being stuck in traffic.
James knows that going car-free isn't for everyone, but for him, it has been the best decision he's made in a long time. He encourages others to hold politicians and elected leaders accountable for making decisions that will benefit the environment and improve transportation options. Going car-free is not only about helping the climate and air quality, but also about finding new ways to get around the city, enjoying the journey, and the sociability of public transport.
If you're interested in learning more, visit wearepossible.org and share your own story by emailing Ross.email. James would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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