Car Free Day in Belarus: Eco-fest, Ladies on Bicycles ride and a night parade of glowing bikes

One of the central streets in Minsk was blocked for motor traffic on 22 September. Bicycles and scooters were the main means of transportation during the Car Free Day in Belarus held as part of the European Mobility Week.

Multimodality: Choose and Move! was the motto of this year’s Car Free Day. The organizers wanted to draw attention of Minsk residents to the impact of vehicles on the environment. One car free day sees air pollutant emissions reduce by 100-200 tonnes. Scientists emphasize that only 15% of emissions in the air in Minsk comes from industrial activities. The remaining 85% is generated by cars. The measurements conducted during last year's event showed that the level of pollutants was lower 1.2 - 1.5 times.

Although the event was designed to highlight environmental issues, it was very positive and joyful. The nasty weather was no obstacle for environmentally conscious people. Despite the rain and the wind, the participants of the campaign had much fun. The program featured a test drive of eco-friendly electric transport, music shows and theatrical performances, exhibitions, movie screenings, food tastings and an extreme show. The festival culminated in the overnight bike ride from Lenina Street to the National Library. Cyclists were joined by people on roller skates, electric unicycles, skateboards, kick scooters, self-balancing scooters, and segways. The parade was seen from far away: the participants had to have luminous elements on their clothing and vehicles, which made the bicycle ride even more spectacular.

The campaign took place in Grodno, too. Female activists of the VeloGrodno movement arranged a bike ride Ladies on Bicycles.

Best shots of the Car Free Day in Belarus in our photo report