Ulaanbaatar to be car-free on March 31

This year’s “Car-Free Day” in Ulaanbaatar will take place on Sunday, March 31 under the theme “Together out in the fresh air without cars.” Traffic will be restricted between West Central Intersection and East Central Intersection; Baga Toiruu; Revolution Avenue; Youth Avenue; and Seoul Street, between 10 am and 5 pm.

Car-Free Day has been held annually in Ulaanbaatar for the past seven years. The vehicle free day was initiated in response to concerns about the high number of deaths from car accidents, which an Asian Development Bank study found to be 28 deaths per 10,000 vehicles, a figure reportedly higher than in all other central Asian countries.

The decision to make one day of the year “car-free” was also made in response to the growing traffic in Ulaanbaatar, which has resulted in more and more traffic jams. Furthermore, the day is marked to recognize the need to decrease air pollution in the city. Over 15 percent of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is attributable to vehicles. The day enables city residents to contribute towards preventing air pollution by leaving their cars at home; caring for their health at the same time.

To mark this year’s Car-Free Day, cyclists will gather at Sukhbaatar Square to provide information to the public and to give entertaining performances.

Short URL: http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/?p=3433