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Cars: you can love them, you can hate them, but you can’t deny their overwhelming prevalence in the world. And while some of us are so used to it, we don’t really pay attention to it anymore, others are getting increasingly furious.

If you’re also getting annoyed by oversized pickup trucks, this online anti-car community welcomes all car-hating folk with open arms, and so far, they have over 400k members. It’s a safe space to vent about insane traffic, car-focused city design, poor public transit infrastructure, and the lack of green and community areas.

The car-free movement idea in general is quite big these days. It is supported by many urban planners, environmentalists, social activists, and transportation engineers. They advocate for walkable cities, mixed-use buildings, high density housing, and accessible public transportation.

To get some firsthand insight, we spoke to Paul Stout, a graduate student of urban design who gained a following on TikTok because of his videos explaining it. But before we get into the nitty gritty of things, check out this collection of some of the most infuriating instances of car dominance and some of the most beautiful examples of how it could be different.

#1

Religious Freedom, Daytime Drag, And Robust Public Transportation

Religious Freedom, Daytime Drag, And Robust Public Transportation

Light_A_Match Report

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Daria
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The future where people can "live and let live"? Yeah sounds dangerous /s

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    #2

    Nice Summary Of This Sub I Guess

    Nice Summary Of This Sub I Guess

    PrimEverDream Report

    #3

    This Awful Space Between Two Kindergardens In My Neighborhood Got The Ultimate Car-Free Makeover. Copenhagen, Denmark

    This Awful Space Between Two Kindergardens In My Neighborhood Got The Ultimate Car-Free Makeover. Copenhagen, Denmark

    thekimse Report

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What an amazing transformation. I wish there was a magic genie that could go throughout the world and make changes like this.

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    Car dominance is a thing all over the world, but it’s the most noticeable in the US. Paul Stout quotes a few reasons for that, including disinvestment in city centers, urban renewal, and a strong automotive industry. However, according to him, the biggest one is the zoning law which allows cities to enforce single-use areas in city planning. This means that certain sections of a city can only be used for residential, commercial, or industry buildings. This gave rise to the suburbs, which, in turn, made cars an essential part of living.

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    However, the increasing concern for climate change and the often-unbearable traffic is encouraging more and more individuals to reconsider the necessity of a car in their lives. Hence, the car free movement idea is getting increasingly popular.

    #4

    Carbrain Andrew Tate Taunts Greta Thunberg On Twitter. Greta Doesn't Hold Back In Her Response

    Carbrain Andrew Tate Taunts Greta Thunberg On Twitter. Greta Doesn't Hold Back In Her Response

    frontendben Report

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    Kryogen
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FYI, andrew tates was sentenced for human traffic and others happy things..

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    #5

    F**k The Cato Institute

    F**k The Cato Institute

    gruenes_licht Report

    #6

    I Love Me Some Grassy Trams

    I Love Me Some Grassy Trams

    Fried_out_Kombi Report

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    The Scout
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Apart from that, more green in the city centers has been proven to reduce summer temperatures significantly, thus reducing the effect of heatwaves. There is a reason why more and more european cities experiment with green streets, superblock zones and roof gardens.

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    The benefits of the car-free movement are many. The study that analyzed plans for private car free city centers found significant reductions in traffic-related air pollution, noise, and temperature. The reduction of cars also minimizes the need for parking spaces, which provides more room for green and community areas. This is a point that Stout emphasizes as well, as he believes that getting rid of parking minimum mandates can make a positive impact on communities. According to him, in addition to creating more public space, it would also “bring down the cost of housing, and allow density to exist in places it currently cannot.”

    On top of all that, cleaner air, communal spaces that encourage socializing, and potential for more active mobility and physical activity can also lead to health benefits. And we haven’t even started about the reduction of CO2 emissions.

    #7

    Found On Insta, Thought It Fit Well Here

    Found On Insta, Thought It Fit Well Here

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    Karri Berkowitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And on public transport ppl can play on their phones and not kill anyone

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    #8

    More Of This Please

    More Of This Please

    ABetterOttawa Report

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    Lama
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like the Netherlands to me, anyone know where this is?

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    #9

    Over 70 Years Later And We Still Widen Roads

    Over 70 Years Later And We Still Widen Roads

    urbanthoughts11 Report

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    VioletHunter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's crazy for how long it has been known that adding lanes just doesn't work and yet most city planners/councils seemingly never got the memo.

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    However, not all car free initiatives work as well. The impact of car free days during which car traffic is restricted in certain areas varies a lot depending on the scale and goals of the project. Diverting traffic can increase congestion and air pollution in neighborhoods where it wasn’t a problem before. Retail business owners are also weary of car free initiatives as it might deter locals from shopping.

    #10

    Just Go For A Walk, You'll Feel Better, I Promise

    Just Go For A Walk, You'll Feel Better, I Promise

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    BC
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From pretty much the rest of the globe…we’re sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers… xx

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    #11

    Infrastructure Is Too Expensive

    Infrastructure Is Too Expensive

    nalc Report

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    Matt Du
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It will cost £414($535) for a return from cardiff to birmingham for 4 people. That's 100 miles(2 hr by car) each way or Allentown to New York round trip. The train is a luxury in the UK

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    #12

    Pinterest Randomly Reminded Me That Cars Have More Rights Than Humans Sometimes

    Pinterest Randomly Reminded Me That Cars Have More Rights Than Humans Sometimes

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    In general, it seems that the car free movement concept is embraced more readily in Europe. Madrid, Oslo, Helsinki, and Hamburg have in the past pledged their commitment to become partly car free cities while Ghent and Nuremburg are already there. Then, there’s Barcelona that is often praised for their superblocks—clusters of city blocks designed to prioritize pedestrians and reduce car traffic.

    #13

    Yet Another Person Realizing What‘S Good

    Yet Another Person Realizing What‘S Good

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    Of course, this trend, as well the pressing matters that force it, is not limited to Europe. For example, China’s megacity Shenzhen is investing in a massive car free district, while The Line, the ambitious Saudi Arabian project city is intended to have no cars, streets, or carbon emissions. African countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have adopted monthly car free days and enough citizens are taking advantage of it to see these initiatives grow.

    #16

    I Know It's An Old Tweet. I Don't Know If This Is A Repost. I Just Think People Here Will Like Something Like This

    I Know It's An Old Tweet. I Don't Know If This Is A Repost. I Just Think People Here Will Like Something Like This

    MJ_Cycles Report

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    James S
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Japan you can only buy a car if you have a private parking space

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    #17

    Height Of Folly (By Jen Sorensen)

    Height Of Folly (By Jen Sorensen)

    geensoelaas Report

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    VioletHunter
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder how many grannys and grandpas have broken their legs trying to get out of those "cars". They look like you need a ladder to get in!

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    #18

    The Public Train I Take To Go To Work Has A Self Service Coffee Station

    The Public Train I Take To Go To Work Has A Self Service Coffee Station

    candycane7 Report

    Overall, it seems that the car-free movement is the future. And, after looking at all these posts, it seems that that future cannot come soon enough.

    #20

    Is "Trunk Or Treat" Real And Because Of Non-Walkable Communities?

    Is "Trunk Or Treat" Real And Because Of Non-Walkable Communities?

    Qagggy Report

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought this was done for safety sake so the families knew everyone who was giving their kids candy and it was a controlled environment. Which is also sad.

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    #21

    I’m Convinced A Lot Of People Wouldn’t See Something Wrong With This

    I’m Convinced A Lot Of People Wouldn’t See Something Wrong With This

    simongerman600 Report

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    Ample Aardvark
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My partner looked at it and shouted "dream house!" 😫 No I do not agree, unless the garage is a cat room

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    #22

    How Is This Legal?

    How Is This Legal?

    unroja Report

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    The Scout
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately that really is a huge safety problem. In an extra high SUV your viewing angle is so skewed you have virtually no chance to see anything smaller than an adult. Also it makes you drive more in the middle of the road instead of on the side, because you are unable to see the curb otherwise. SUVs are a traffic nightmare.

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    #23

    American Exceptionalism

    American Exceptionalism

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    Jrog
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "exceptional" I don't know. "Special", in a air-quote sense of the word, on the other hand...

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    #24

    Cool Idea? (Cannot Stand Carbrains In The Replies)

    Cool Idea? (Cannot Stand Carbrains In The Replies)

    cubsfan012512 Report

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    David H
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    bill was already shelved, and it was for people reporting any parking violation. Civil Liberties groups like the ACLU fought against it

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    #25

    Everything Must Be Sacrificed For The Car

    Everything Must Be Sacrificed For The Car

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    The Scout
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The poicture reminds me of the sad story of what was known as the "loneliest tree" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_T%C3%A9n%C3%A9r%C3%A9) . It was a single tree standing in the middle of a huge desert, hundreds of miles away even from the next road. What happend to it? Yes, you guess right: it was hit by a car.

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    #26

    New vs. Old Mini Cooper

    New vs. Old Mini Cooper

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    #27

    Terrifying

    Terrifying

    Lass1k Report

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every time I see this, it blows my mind. But I thought it was just like one major place where this happens and something something that I read. But even so. It’s still massive cars. And now I wonder if it’s AI. I hate having to always wonder that now.

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    #28

    Magic Parking Lot

    Magic Parking Lot

    the_transit_guy Report

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    Kimbowa
    Community Member
    1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. What is the center green patch? Surely it’s taking up too much space!

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    #29

    6 Hour Line Of 14 Lane Traffic At Burning Man

    6 Hour Line Of 14 Lane Traffic At Burning Man

    Remarkable-Mouse-206 Report

    #30

    My City (Ottawa, Canada) Removing A Pedestrianized Street In Favour Of Cars

    My City (Ottawa, Canada) Removing A Pedestrianized Street In Favour Of Cars

    ABetterOttawa Report

    Note: this post originally had 63 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.