[Vision2020] Car-Free Cities: A cure for high gas prices?

[Bill London]

>A Cure for High Gas Prices: "Carfree Cities"
> Portland hosts international conference in June
>
> PORTLAND, Ore. (May 20, 2008)-The World Carfree Network, in collaboration 
> with SHIFT, presents the Towards Carfree Cities conference series in 
> Portland, Ore. on June 16-20, 2008.
>
> Making its North American debut, the conference will bring together 
> activists and professionals from around the world to discuss the creation 
> of sustainable transportation systems and the transformation of cities 
> into human-scaled environments rich in public space and community life.
>
> "This conference is a chance to bring North America to the forefront of 
> the international carfree movement and to empower ordinary people to 
> change their lives, governments, and urban landscapes for the better," 
> said Conference Coordinator Elly Blue.
>
> The conference's fundamental role is to help participants share knowledge 
> and assist in their practical work, whether that work be organizing 
> community events, promoting urban cycling, or building carfree cities of 
> the future. The 2008 conference's theme is "Rethinking Mobility, 
> Rediscovering Proximity." The program includes workshops, lectures, 
> walking, streetcar, and bicycle tours, a film festival, and a public day 
> including an art show hosted by Portland City Hall.
>
> "Portland is becoming an international leader in issues of sustainable 
> transportation and urban livability," said Portland City Commissioner Sam 
> Adams. "This conference will help us bring local and international 
> perspectives to a challenge we all share: dependence on the private car."
>
> The conference will showcase recent strides made in Portland's urban 
> landscape and the city's approach to sustainable living. Previous 
> conference sites have included: Lyon, France; Timisoara, Romania; Prague, 
> Czech Republic; Berlin, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Bogotá, Colombia; and 
> Istanbul, Turkey.
>
> For more information please visit
> http://www.carfreeportland.org (Portland, OR)
> http://www.worldcarfree.net/ (Prague, Czech Republic)
>
>
> ###
>
> Media Inquiries:
> Meghan Sinnott
> 971-533-5235
> meghan.sinnott at gmail.com
>
>
>