York is hoping to go car free for the day on Tuesday

Just how many people heed the call remains to be seen. Some die-hard motorists are already muttering gleefully about how it will be a great day to drive to work, because the roads will be almost empty.

Such cynics aside, however, Tuesday offers a chance to see just what York could be like if a few more of us could be persuaded to use the car less.

If there is any British city which can do it, it should be York.

Last year, we were designated one of only 18 cycling cities and towns in the UK. There has already been a cycling festival in the city this year, and last weekend we hosted the first stage of the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Much as some might grumble, we have a network of cycle paths and lanes which is second to none, in this country at least. Tour de France cyclist Charlie Wegelius, who was brought up in Bishopthorpe, claims that York is one of the best cities for cyclists in Europe.

The city is small so nowhere is that far from anywhere else. And as a bonus, we have streets that are mostly flat – and hence ideal for cycling.

Yet despite all of this, our streets are routinely crammed with cars, pumping fumes into the air and taking a long time to get nowhere.

City council leader Andrew Waller says for many, just getting into the car every morning is an easy habit to slip into.

Not everybody can do without the car, he admits: and he wouldn’t expect them too.

But there are certainly many people who, if they tried it, might find that walking, cycling or taking the bus was actually quicker and easier than driving.

He routinely cycles into the Guildhall from Acomb – and he is not just saying that. “People see me doing it!”

Fewer cars would not only make our streets quieter and more pleasant, Coun Waller says. There would also be less pollution, so improving the quality of the air we breathe. And the city’s carbon footprint would also be reduced.

Plus, if we chose to walk or cycle, we would all get a bit more exercise. “So it could be quicker, cheaper and healthier.”

There will, of course, be some who remain unconvinced. But there may well be others who have been thinking about trying other ways of getting to work, Coun Waller says.

Car Free Day on Tuesday is aimed at them. “There are probably a lot of people thinking, ‘Maybe I could try an alternative’. Well, this is the day to try out other options, and see how they compare. You might find you enjoy it.”

Here, three members of staff at The Press show that, in a city the size of York, it really is possible to get to work without the car.

We also have a few facts and figures to show what a difference it would make to the quality of the air we breathe if more of us did give the car a rest.

Over to you...

York’s ‘dirty’ problem

YORK has a problem with air pollution. Levels of nitrogen dioxide in some parts of the city – especially on the inner ring road and roads leading on to it – exceed health objectives.

Nitrogen dioxide is a brown gas formed in the atmosphere when pollutants from vehicles such as cars react with sunlight and other gases. Some is also emitted directly from vehicles.

The gas can cause a range of health-related issues such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. It isn’t stuff we really want our children to be breathing in.

The best way to reduce such pollution is to encourage more cycling, walking and use of public transport.

Council experts in York estimate that if just one in 20 people in the city cycled or walked five kilometres a day (about three miles) instead of driving, we could reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides pumped into the air by about 200 tonnes per annum. That could have a real impact on the quality of air in the city.

At an individual level, every kilometre each of us walks or cycles instead of going by car saves 12g of nitrogen oxides from being pumped into the air, as well as reducing our carbon footprint.

So our own behaviour really can make a difference.

Saving Trust prize draw for £100 cycle vouchers

TO MARK York’s first Car Free Day on Tuesday, the Energy Saving Trust advice centre for North Yorkshire will provide free expert advice on how to use your car less and save money.

The team will be on Parliament Street with City of York Council from 10am on the day and are offering everyone who visits the stand the chance to enter a free draw to win a £100 cycle voucher.

Anyone who cannot attend the event can still enter the draw by phoning the advice centre before next Thursday and speaking to an advisor for tips for using their car less. Phone free on 0800 512 012 or email the team at advice@est-nyh.org.uk

Sub-editor Andrew Hitchon on the benefits of walking to work

IT TAKES about an hour of each working day and it’s worth every second. Taking the car is quicker, even during rush hour, but “losing” a few minutes every day quickly fades into insignificance when you march past all those queues of traffic.

I’ve been there too, sitting at the wheel with nothing better to do than flick through the radio channels, fidgeting with frustration when I could be walking.

There are downsides, of course. The picture with this piece was taken on a lovely, sunny September morning, when you’d think anyone in their right mind would prefer to be in the open air.

But it’s not always like that. Many times during our so-called summer I ended up soaked to the skin, despite raincoat and brolly.

On the now rare snowy days of winter I am sometimes tempted to walk in the road rather than on the pavement, in the hope of finding a gritted area to avoid the pedestrian equivalent of a skidpan.

And it’s never fun having to dodge those who are on the pavements because they can go quicker than on the snarled-up roads; they are usually on bicycles, although recently I had to take evasive action to avoid being flattened by a bloke speeding on a skateboard.

But look at the advantages – the fresh air, the exercise, the chance to take in the scenery of this beautiful city, and to have a bit of time to myself to mull matters over.

I find the experience thoroughly therapeutic, and consider it to be almost a privilege to be able to walk to work each day – unlike those poor becalmed motorists.

And it’s good to be environmentally friendly, too – as long as it’s not raining too much, that is.

Front counter assistant Linda Cuddy sings the praises of cycling

PRESS front counter customer care assistant Linda Cuddy first started riding her bike to work from Strensall about four-and-a-half years ago to try to get some much needed exercise.

“And I found that I saved time and money as well,” the 53-year-old mum of two said.

“On a good day I can get to work faster than the bus, and must save at least £600 a year in bus fares. I like the time to myself when I’m riding to and from work. I sort out any problems I may have, it’s good thinking time.”

Linda cycles in all weathers, apart from snow.

“I don’t mind rain, but hate it when it’s windy, it’s such hard work. Sometimes in winter I think about getting a lift or the bus but usually talk myself out of it. I feel much better when I’ve ridden into work, it certainly wakes you up and it must be healthier, especially when it’s cold and flu season, not being cooped up on the bus with everyone else’s coughs and sneezes.”

The ride in from Strensall took about 25 minutes when she first started. But it takes a bit longer these days, she admits. “I either need a new bike or a new body, probably both!”

Nevertheless, if anyone is thinking of trying commuting by bike, she would thoroughly recommend it.

“There are just a few things to think about. Have Kevlar tyres fitted, it helps protect against all the broken glass on the road. Why do people do that? I’ve had umpteen punctures.

“Secondly, never trust anyone at roundabouts or junctions. Always have eye contact with car drivers so you know they have seen you. And finally, watch out for bus drivers who don’t leave enough room when passing. I’ve caught up with a couple at bus stops and given them a piece of my mind.”

Managing editor Steve Hughes tries out the Park&Ride service

OLD habits die hard, so catching the bus to work was never going to be easy for me.

For more years than I care to remember, I have needed my company car not only to travel to work but to visit clients at a moment’s notice, drive to business meetings, or, if I am completely honest, pop across town because I’m not in the mood to walk.

Also my memory tells me that buses are dirty and smelly and they don’t turn up on time.

But, I do have a conscience and I know I should do more to help the environment. So, when I was asked if The Press would support York’s first Car Free Day, I immediately said yes.

It was only later that it dawned on me that I too would have to take part.

Earlier this week I went on a trial run by catching the Park&Ride from Grimston Bar.

I turned up at 8.25am, drove straight in, parked easily and quickly and there was a bus ready and waiting. I paid my £2.30 return fare and five minutes later me and the 30 or so other passengers were on our way.

The bus was clean and quiet and we were soon cruising in the bus lane past the queuing traffic.

Less than 20 minutes later we were in Piccadilly and in another two minutes I was at my desk.

The buses run every ten minutes from 7am to 7pm on weekdays and at £2.30 compared with all day parking charges of up to £10, I thought the service was good value. I know this is only a small step but I’m ready to travel by bus again, starting on Tuesday.