What would happen if we banned cars? (Hint: it’s all good)

Summary

This thought-provoking video explores the idea of a car-free future, examining the environmental, social, and economic impacts of banning cars. It discusses how removing cars could lead to less pollution, safer and more livable cities, and new job opportunities in green industries. With examples like Barcelona’s 'super blocks,' the script envisions a world where streets are transformed into spaces for people, and public transit and cycling infrastructure thrive. It also highlights the potential for revitalizing local businesses and reducing the economic burden of car ownership, all while combating climate change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cars contribute to environmental damage, urban fragmentation, and cause significant human fatalities annually.
• 😀 A car-free future is possible despite the current dominance of cars in cities, and it's not as irreversible as it may seem.
• 😀 Banning cars could lead to the recycling of valuable materials like iron, aluminum, and steel, reducing the environmental toll of mining and metal production.
• 😀 Recycling cars can create green jobs, which could offset job losses in traditional car manufacturing, which is increasingly outsourced.
• 😀 Removing cars from urban spaces can transform city streets into pedestrian-friendly areas, fostering social connection and recreation.
• 😀 Examples like Barcelona’s super blocks show how car-free zones can enhance quality of life, with less noise and more space for people.
• 😀 Repurposing or removing highway infrastructure could restore fractured communities, especially those divided by roads, and reduce emissions from road construction.
• 😀 The funds currently spent on car infrastructure, such as road construction and maintenance, could be redirected to better public transportation systems, bike infrastructure, and high-speed rail networks.
• 😀 A world with less reliance on cars could promote alternative transportation options like trains, bikes, and walking, which are more environmentally friendly.
• 😀 Ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities in a car-free world would require universal design principles and expanded paratransit services to accommodate everyone’s mobility needs.
• 😀 The car industry, which makes up only 3% of the U.S. GDP, could be replaced with industries focused on recycling, public transport, and local business revitalization, leading to a stronger local economy.

Q & A

Why would banning cars be beneficial for the environment?

Banning cars could significantly reduce environmental damage by lowering emissions, preventing pollution caused by car manufacturing, and reducing the need for rare earth mineral mining. It would also reduce CO2 emissions from road construction and maintenance, making cities more sustainable.

What would happen to the billions of cars on Earth if we banned them?

The cars would become recyclable, as they are primarily made of iron, aluminum, and steel. Recycling these materials would reduce the need for new metal production, cut down on emissions, and recover rare earth minerals, which are harmful and difficult to mine.

How would the removal of cars impact employment in the United States?

While car manufacturing employs nearly a million people in the U.S., only a small percentage of the workforce, these jobs could be offset by the growth of green industries such as recycling, public transit construction, and bike manufacturing. New jobs in these sectors would help transition workers away from car production.

What would urban streets look like in a car-free world?

Without cars, city streets would become common spaces for people, with opportunities for leisure, play, and social interaction. Streets would be repurposed for pedestrians, cyclists, and public activities, reducing noise and congestion while fostering community connection.

Can you give an example of a city already experimenting with car-free zones?

Barcelona is a prime example with its 'super blocks' program. In these zones, non-local traffic is banned, and deliveries are limited. The streets within the super blocks are freed up for people, creating more space for parks, pedestrian-friendly areas, and local businesses.

How would highway infrastructure change in a car-free world?

Highway infrastructure could be repurposed or dismantled to create community spaces such as parks. The reduction of highway construction and maintenance would also cut down on the emissions generated by these projects, which currently result in significant environmental damage.

How would the transition away from cars reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

By halting car infrastructure projects and reducing car usage, we would avoid the high emissions associated with road construction and maintenance. Additionally, expanding public transit and shifting to high-speed rail would further cut emissions by providing greener alternatives to cars and airplanes.

What are the potential benefits for small businesses in a car-free world?

Removing cars and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces would increase foot traffic around local businesses, potentially boosting sales by up to 30%. With fewer people driving to large commercial centers like malls, small businesses in walkable neighborhoods could thrive.

How would people with disabilities navigate a car-free world?

In this future, infrastructure would be designed with Universal Design principles, ensuring accessibility for everyone. This would include accessible train stations, pedestrian areas, and bike lanes. Paratransit services for people with disabilities would be expanded to offer flexible, low-cost rides.

What role would public transportation play in a car-free future?

Public transportation would become a primary mode of travel, with an emphasis on expanding and improving systems like high-speed rail, buses, and trams. These would be made affordable or even free, making it easier for people to move around without personal vehicles.