Kazakh citizens go car-free for one day

Kazakh residents are actively joining the Car-Free Day challenge organized by the country’s Ministry of Culture and Information as part of the nationwide Taza (Clean) Kazakhstan environmental campaign. The initiative invites anyone interested to spend the entire day without using a car, choosing instead to travel on foot, by public transportation, bicycle, or scooter. The project’s goal is to promote environmental care. Participants are encouraged to share a photo or video of their car-free day using a designated hashtag. The top 10 posts will receive special prizes.

«Over the past three years, more than 1,000 citizens have participated in this campaign. This year, it is actively supported by the corporate and business sectors, quasi-governmental organizations, as well as national companies and eco-volunteers. Each year, we organize campaigns specifically aimed at enhancing environmental protection. We have held more than 200 events and supported over 90 eco-volunteers initiatives. We also support the Taza Kazakhstan national campaign,» said Aidana Galimova, project manager of the nationwide project Birgemiz: Taza Alem.

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, as of June 1, 2024, the number of registered vehicles in Kazakhstan has surpassed five million, with buses accounting for just over two percent. An increasing number of people in the country are consciously switching to scooters or bicycles, showing care for air quality in their cities.

What People Are Saying:

I support this campaign! It has a positive impact on health. Our family gets around the city on bicycles; my children and I all have bikes.

Of course, I support it. I’m not driving a car today, I’ve chosen eco-friendly transport.

Of course, I support it! We often travel on foot.

 Getting around the city without a car is very difficult because you need to go to work, pick up and drop off your children. It’s difficult to manage without a vehicle.

Yeah, sure! I’m for expanding cycling infrastructure and staff like that as well. It sounds good to me.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nine out of 10 people worldwide are exposed to air with high levels of pollutants. Industrial facilities are a major contributor, followed by motor vehicles. Modern scientists report that a single passenger car emits, on average, around 800 kg of carbon monoxide, 40 kg of nitrogen oxides, and nearly 200 kg of various hydrocarbons through its exhaust gases.