Way Forward – The Reference Framework of the Demotorization Working Group
We are proud·e·to unveil the framework: A Way Out—Freeing Our Communities from Car Dependence, a tool for neighborhood leaders who want to take action to cap or reduce the number of registered vehicles in Montreal.
In Montreal, some households live without a car (30%), others are able to give up their car, while some people hope to get rid of their vehicle (20%). Depending on available transportation options and access to services, an over-motorized household owns more personal vehicles than its aspirations or actual transportation needs would warrant. This overreliance on cars in urban areas affects households’ quality of life, health, finances, safety, environmental quality, the economy, and culture.
The result of a collaborative process by the “Demotorization” working group of Transition en Commun, this framework providesequip, raise awareness and organize actions tailored to the realities of marginalized neighborhoods and communities. It is both possible and essential to take action now at the neighborhood level to influence, guide, and implement the necessary structural and symbolic changes—without leaving anyone behind. The framework highlights the importance of reducing the number of vehicles and taking action at the neighborhood level, although actions are also needed at other levels of intervention, as well as a shift toward active and public transportation and the electrification of cars.
The “Exit Route” Reference Framework is a first milestone for the working group as it collaboratively develops strategies to facilitate actions aimed at capping or reducing the number of registered vehicles in Montreal.
Individuals and organizations interested in preventing and reducing excessive car use or in learning more about the issue can contact the Montreal Regional Environment Council, which coordinates the working group (info@cremtl.org). The working group brings together individuals with complementary expertise on the subject, and you can participate in a variety of ways:
- Organize events, meetings, and projects to prevent and reduce excessive car use;
- Contact the working group to discuss how you can get involved;
- Request more information or a detailed presentation of the framework.
To stay up to date on the working group’s activities, sign up for the Transition en Commun newsletter.