Car-Free Streets Are Amazing (And We Need More of Them)
Provided by: Not Just Bikes|Published on: April 27, 2021
Grades: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Videos
Subjects: Civics
Authors: Not Just Bikes
Region: Europe, North America, USA - West, United States
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This video is mostly about the principle of "Autoluw," a Dutch urban planning concept that closely translates to nearly car-free, how more cities can incorporate this concept, and why some attempts, such as one in Fresno, have failed.
- Students will learn about the benefits of bike paths and pedestrian walkways in city and suburban planning.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- It addresses counterarguments you might hear against car-free areas and then debunks each talking point.
- It includes images of international cities that can serve as inspiration for what green and accessible city planning can look like.
Prerequisites
- There is an ad before the video.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students in ELA classes can use this as a mentor text for opinion writing using counterarguments.
- Students in art classes can create a visual representation of their ideal "Autoluw" area.
- Students in civics classes can think about accessibility in their own communities and how they can advocate for cleaner air and increased access.
- Other resources related to this topic include Why City Design Is Important (And Why I Hate Houston) and Build Your Own Equitable City.
This resource is a 6-minute video discussing the concept of "Autoluw" or "Nearly Car-Free" cities and towns. Examples of European towns that have removed cars from downtown centers are shown, and the advantages (increased foot traffic, increased accessibility, cleaner air, etc.) are presented. This resource presents a convincing case that cars are not needed in many downtown centers. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
