We are from Kolkata and Cape Town,
From Den Haag and Dhaka,
From Austin and Afghanistan;
From South Holland and Valencia,
From Bangalore and Bosnia and Herzegovina;
From Pune and Havana and the Czech Republic.

We value carfree cities because we want to:
Sit outside without having to listen to a chorus of horns;
To breathe fresh air;
Walk and cycle without having to navigate huge honking ugly vehicles;
Encounter less road rage;
Actually enjoy walking, and to enjoy wildlife,
Coming in and sharing the space with humans in cities.

In a carfree city,
We wouldn't feel scared for our children and grandchildren to ride a bike.
We wouldn’t get stuck in the road with traffic jams.
We could experience humane interaction
With the surrounding environment and fellow people;
There would be more smiles.

People would put down their phones and interact with each other;
People otherwise captive indoors would lose their shyness
And come outside to talk to others and open up.
We would enjoy the street life.

Right out the door we could be at a park or in the market.
We could go on a long bike ride after a longer day.
People could interact directly with the city and each other;
We would feel ownership of the streets, feel safe;
Have peace of mind and actual peace (without the horns!).

We could smell flowers and guavas;
Hear the birds; taste raindrops not smog;
Feel cool clean air on our skin.

We would cross paths with diverse groups of people,
Of varying ages, races, and backgrounds
As we move through and across the city.
Because connectivity also means integration!
We are from many cities and countries.
We dream of better cities.
We are the Carfree Cities Alliance!