> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/circular-cities/leadership-in-the-spotlight.md). # Leadership in the spotlight The usual two-ton car operates at [80 percent empty](https://www.vox.com/a/new-economy-future/cars-cities-technologies) capacity when driven by a single person. But even when not in use - [90% of the time](https://www.reinventingparking.org/2013/02/cars-are-parked-95-of-time-lets-check.html) - cars need a lot of parking space.For instance, there are a billion parking spots in the U.S., four for each vehicle! This means cities use 50 to 60 percent of their area for cars, including parking and roads. In 2024, Paris will make an [unprecedented and radical experiment](https://electrek.co/2022/02/24/pariss-great-experiment-will-ban-cars-in-much-of-the-city-instead-opting-for-bikes-scooters-legs/): it will ban non-essential traffic passing through the city. The ban coincides with the Olympics,but the idea is to continue with the ban even after the Olympics finish. According to the city, drivers using roads cut across Paris represent around half of the total drivers per day in the city, which can vary between [350.000 and 500.000 cars per day](https://reasonstobecheerful.world/cars-are-vanishing-from-paris/)! But this ban and “anti-car” legislation is not new to the city. Over the past six years, [Mayor Anne Hidalgo ](https://slate.com/business/2021/09/paris-cars-bicycles-walking-david-belliard-anne-hidalgo.html)has opened linear parks in the old highways along the Seine; banned diesel cars in the city; opened bus lanes; and plowed bike lanes down hundreds of streets. Slowing down the city to ‘human speed’ opens up the possibility for new kinds of relationships and businesses to evolve out of these new healthy cityscapes (i.e. bike delivery; walkable neighborhoods; emergent economy to support bike and de-carbonized culture).

Image: Seine river in France. Extracted from Slate.com. Picture by Henry Grabar.

These changes have been challenging to make. The concept is simultaneously radical and polarizing and provokes passionate responses from all stakeholders, including cyclists, drivers, entrepreneurs, environmental advocates, and policymakers. There is increasing public criticism of the Parisian “anti-car” attitude. Paris has dropped the proportion of journeys by car by [about 45 percent since 1990](http://afitl.ish-lyon.cnrs.fr/index.php/resume-cahier.html?id_CST=68%7C71%7C2017#A401), and at the same time, the use of public transit has risen by 30 percent. However, car-free cities are multiplying like a Domino effect. Banning cars in cities has proven time over time to be a measure to decarbonize and reduce traffic congestion. Still, in parallel, it also improves public transportation, boosts the economy, and promotes a healthier environment. Around the world, car-free cities share two things: these initiatives often take a lot of time from when a city announces a traffic plan to reduce cars to the moment they achieve being car-free cities;, and second, they are generally backed up by a fearless leadership mindset. Let's see examples: ## Car-free cities table comparison | **Groningen, Netherlands** | **Pontevedra, Spain** | **Mackinac Island, USA** | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | |

1977: Groningen introduces a traffic plan to limit car access to the city center and promote cycling/public transport.

1980s: Investment in cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes and paths. Cycling is encouraged as a primary mode of transport.

1990s: Expansion of existing network, secure parking facilities.

2000s: Car-free zones, traffic calming measures, incentives for cycling.

2010s: Integrated transport system that combines cycling and public transport.

Ongoing: Cycling is deeply ingrained in Groningen’s identity, not just for residents but for students as well. As of 2015, it boasted the cleanest air of any Dutch city.


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1999: Realization that traffic was causing congestion, pollution, and diminishing quality of life. Experimentation of pedestrianizing certain streets, limiting vehicle access.

2007: “Peatonalización del Casco Histórico” (Pedestrianisation of the History Centre) is launched, gaining huge momentum. Largely car-free city center permits only essential services and residents’ vehicles. Widened sidewalks and pedestrian plazas were implemented.

2009: Introduction of “Zona 30” (30km/h Zone). Increases in road safety promotion of alternative transportation modes.

Ongoing: The city remains committed to its car-free vision with continuous public transportation improvements and sustainable urban planning.


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Late 1800s: The island gains popularity as a summer resort. Concerns about the potential impact of automobiles on the island's natural beauty and atmosphere

1896: The first known automobile to arrive on the island.

1898: After a ‘chaotic’ meeting of horse and horseless carriage, the council passed a motion banning automobiles from the island.

2023: Mackinac Island celebrates 125 years of being car-free.

Unique/Interesting: The Island’s car-free status is part of its appeal to tourists who want to experience a populated but peaceful environment.


| *Source: Goozee, L. (2023). Car-free cities around the world:* [*12 Great Urban Examples.* ](https://discerningcyclist.com/car-free-cities-around-the-world/) ## How could your business benefit from a car-free city? It might seem like the implementation of a simple measure. Still, the prohibition of vehicles profoundly affects people's practical lives and, more deeply, reshapes how citizens interact with their surroundings. These citizens will likely experience cleaner air, more physical activity, and better health. They may also discover shops while walking to their transportation that they wouldn't have been able to explore when driving a car. In the face of the ongoing climate crisis, the world requires groundbreaking ideas and fearless companies that boldly translate unimaginable ideas into tangible outcomes. We urgently need to set ambitious goals because today's world is not even 10% circular! Through the pursuit of audacious goals, participation in trailblazing endeavors, and maintaining a culture of elevated self-expectations, we arrive at the more beautiful future we know is possible.