In this article, (This
Self-Proclaimed Micronation Has Plans for a Car-Free, Algae-Powered City),
Peters (2016) states that a team of libertarians had idealized to establish a
micronation between Croatia and Serbia, which is known as “Free Republic of
Liberland”, operating without automobiles and driven by algae. Due to the scarcity of land
space, the city’s neighborhoods will be layered such that the land will be used
efficiently, while the city itself expands. The architectural plan encourages that
in order to light up the city, Algae will be used for covering underside of
platform, and can be used for power. Furthermore in order to achieve car-free
city and reduce air pollution, city’s populace and buildings will be
centralized around the transit to allow accessibility of various places located
in city is walkable. On the
other hand, the design including the sustainability and operations of this
green city, professionals are engaged to promote entrepreneurship through crowd
funding.
I strongly agree that the idea
of establish a car-free city that relies primarily on walking and cycling for
transport within the urban area is an effective way for build up a new country
like Liberland.
In my opinion for an existing
country, car-free city greatly reduce petroleum dependency, air pollution,
greenhouse gas emission, automobile crashes, noise pollution and traffic
congestion. Therefore, it is definitely challenging for a new country being
established as car-free city. This idea of eliminated automobiles has improved
not only air quality but also the overall livability of resident’s crowded
areas. For a new car-free city plan, just like what President Vít Jedlička mentioned
always to keep Liberland as green as possible, bicycle city is an effective way
to be plan, cycling helps in reduce storm water runoff, reduce congestion,
protect animals and environment, and most vital is potential to be a model for
sustainable development that is not dependent on cars. Consequently, the land
of city can be design without area of parking and roads, so more available
space for friendly green environment.
For a new city, pedestrian
pathway must be provided as well. Other than cycling, walking is another way to
reach a destination since the idea of buildings clustered around. Having said
that, converting a street or an area to pedestrian-only use is called “pedestrianisation”.
This usually aims to provide better accessibility for pedestrians and
significant drops in air and noise pollution, accidents and frequently with
increased property values. Moreover, there are numerous benefits to physical
fitness such as reduce the
stress and anxiety of residents. Active commuters travel by cycling or foot
have shown higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, more relaxation and a
sense of freedom than car drivers.
In conclusion, it is a long journey to
build up a city powered by algae and without automobiles. I would like to
highlight that cycling infrastructure investment should be focus on such as
protected bicycle lanes, tunnel and bridges. In fact, a bicycle city able to
protect earth and its precious natural resources. Due to cars are a direct
contributor to the global warming crisis, the greatest threat to the earth.
Therefore this harmful vehicle pollutants must be eliminate and should not
appeared in new city. The planning for new city drastically reduce pollutants
and easy for people to live without depending on vehicles.
References
Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Haneen
Khreis. (2016). Environment International. Car
free cities: Pathway to healthy urban living. (251 – 262). Retrieved from
http://www.ademloos.be/sites/default/files/gezondheid_docs/Car%20free%20cities.pdf
