Case Studies from around the world

To ease traffic congestion in central London and persuade people to switch from private cars to public transport London introduced a congestion charge while at the same time dramatically increased the number of buses on London roads. Under the scheme, private car drivers entering central London pay a daily fee of five pounds

In spite of the American Love affair with the car, American communities are adding bike lanes to roadways. The goals are similar in each city: reduce the number of trips made by motor vehicles, cut the number of bike-related injuries, connect schools and transit facilities to bike paths, and increase the quality of life by providing a viable and healthy transportation and recreation option.

UNESCO has designated Bhaktapur a World Heritage site because it is an ancient city famous for its dramatic traditional architecture, beautiful temples,

and car free streets.

Cartagena, Colombia has launched a bold experiment to convert its renowned historical center into a car-free zone. Cartagena's walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is among the best preserved colonial centres in Latin America. Cartagena's historical area, though, is also a living city, bustling with local residents and high levels of commerce.

Transportation-related issues present a serious challenge to improving the quality of life for Mexico City’s residents. Mexico City government is working to develop a Bicycle Master Plan that will strengthen cycling as a safe, attractive, healthy and convenient travel option for city residents.

The goal of the Master Plan is to increase bicycle trips as a portion of all trips to 2% by 2010 and to 5% by 2012.

São Paulo is focused on a pilot bicycle path in the neighborhood of Butantã. This 15 kilometer bike path goes by some of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, strongly middle and working-class areas, and connects to one of the largest favelas – Paraísopolis. Given the high visibility of Butantã, this bike path represents a unique opportunity to promote cycling throughout the Mega-City.

In May 2006 the High Court of Delhi passed an order directing the municipal government to stop granting licenses for cycle rickshaws on Delhi roads, complete a ban on use of cycle rickshaws in Delhi's Chandni Chowk area, and introduce compressed natural gas buses in the area to replace the rickshaws. A Special Leave Petition formally challenged the Delhi High Court order banning cycle rickshaws in Chandni Chowk and Delhi arterial roads in 2007.Banning cycle rickshaws would result in the loss of many jobs.

With the decision to turn an important commercial road ( M.G.Road)in the city into a walking plaza on weekends, Pune is reaping a healthier urban environment as well as a popular public space.

Istanbul riders have to deal with flooded cycle paths, barbecues, trees, bushes, and garbage bins in cycle areas, and lack of bicycle parking.

Mayor Marcelo Ebrard , mayor of Mexico City and his efforts to transform this bustling capital city infamous for its traffic and smog into a healthy, more livable city. One of the things he has done, is shut down Paseo de la Reforma, the city’s most important artery on Sunday’s to traffic so that children and families can enjoy the tree-lined avenues while strolling or riding their bikes. It’s a remarkable acheivement, given what Reforma looks like on weekdays

An initiative launched by the Mayor’s office is the community effort Million Trees LA

• Many of the one million new trees will be planted by City departments on public property. Others will be planted throughout the City by individual volunteers, community groups, organizations, and businesses.

"I longed to have children, but couldn't. My husband felt that we should make up for it by `parenting' trees. He believed that it was a work of great punya, and would do us good. He used to tell me it would also fulfil my desire for motherhood. Believe me, nobody ever told us to do this. It's our own thinking that put us on to it," says Thimmakka,