Organisation
Lambeth Council
Theme
Transport
Start Date
Sept 2025
End Date
Sept 2025
Goals
Climate-friendly streets, Shift modes
World Car Free Day is an annual event that encourages people to reimagine spaces within their neighbourhood that are normally dedicated to cars. The event was part of Lambeth’s ongoing commitment to creating safer, more accessible, and inclusive public spaces that support active travel.
Lambeth’s Climate Action Plan [LINK] commits to enabling at least 85% of journeys in Lambeth to be made by walking, cycling, or other public transport modes by 2030. As part of this shift, we want residents to see the potential for their neighbourhoods to become less dominated by motor vehicles.
In Lambeth, 60% of households do not have access to a car, yet a majority of the kerbside is allocated to motor vehicles. The kerbside is a public space that belongs to all residents, and Car Free Day allows everyone to reimagine how the space can be used.
Date: Saturday 20 September 2025
Location: Abbeville Road, Clapham, SW4 9JX
To celebrate Car Free Day, we closed Abbeville Road to motor vehicles between 12 and 4 pm.
Local businesses were invited to use the space for alfresco dining, and we organised a range of activities for residents.
Led Ride
iBike London (opens in a new window) brought the noise with their bicycle soundsystem, having ridden all the way from the National Theatre in Waterloo with cyclists of all ages and every type of bicycle you could imagine.
Bike Market
Peddle My Wheels (opens in a new window) was on site, with their bike market offering a range of affordable used bikes to help people get on two wheels, with options for all ages and abilities.
Dr Bike
Professional mechanics from upCycle (opens in a new window) shared their expertise on bike maintenance and provided free safety checks. Whether it was a squeaky brake or a loose chain, Dr Bike was there to patch up any issues.
Live Music & Street Performers
A jazz trio from VeloConcerts (opens in a new window) performed from a stage that folded out from a cargo bike, while bubble artists and our lovely circus performer Steve Kaos (opens in a new window) entertained passers-by. A professional BMX rider delivered an exciting display of stunts and even taught willing participants some tricks!
Try-Outs of Adapted Bikes
People had the opportunity to test out a range of adapted bikes courtesy of Wheels for Wellbeing (opens in a new window). These try-outs showcased how cycling can be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Police Bike Marking
Met Police (opens in a new window) officers offered free bike marking services to help deter theft and improve bicycle security. This initiative contributed to broader efforts to promote safe and responsible cycling.
Other activities included pedal-powered amusement courtesy of Bureau of Silly Ideas (opens in a new window) with Shirt or Squirt, where participants raced to power up a water pump to soak their rival. Lil Jockeys (opens in a new window) brought along their range of mechanical horses, which were a hit with the kids, and Outspoken (opens in a new window) provided refreshments for those willing to put in the effort with their smoothie bikes!
