**BREAKING: Colwood Declares ‘No Car Day’ After Sudden Surge in Traffic-Related Incidents**

In a move that has both shocked and intrigued the local population, the city of Colwood, located on Vancouver Island, has declared a one-day “No Car Day” in response to a sudden and alarming increase in traffic-related accidents. The event, which will take place on December 5th, 2024, is the first of its kind in the region and has already sparked a debate about the future of urban transportation, road safety, and the effectiveness of such measures in reducing traffic accidents. The declaration was made earlier this week by Colwood’s city council following a string of serious crashes that have rocked the community in recent months.

The decision to declare “No Car Day” came as the city grapples with an unprecedented surge in car accidents, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The initiative is seen as an effort to raise awareness about traffic safety, promote alternative modes of transport, and encourage dialogue on how Colwood can improve its infrastructure to protect its residents.

### A Response to Growing Concern

The catalyst for Colwood’s “No Car Day” is a sharp increase in traffic-related incidents on local roads. Since the beginning of autumn, there has been a notable uptick in the number of accidents, particularly on the busy Island Highway, which runs through the heart of Colwood. In the past two months alone, local authorities have reported at least six major accidents, including three fatalities, and a number of non-fatal crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists.

Most of the incidents have occurred during the late afternoon and evening hours, with many being attributed to speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving. The growing concern over these accidents prompted Colwood Mayor Karen McCauley to call an emergency council meeting to discuss the issue and explore possible solutions.

“We’ve seen an alarming rise in traffic incidents in our city,” Mayor McCauley said during a press conference announcing the initiative. “Too many families have been affected by these tragedies, and we must take action. While we are working on long-term infrastructure changes, ‘No Car Day’ is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on our relationship with our roads and to encourage safer, alternative ways to get around.”

The city council also cited the growing environmental concerns related to car usage, including air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as secondary reasons for the event. By encouraging residents to leave their cars at home, the city hopes to promote a greener, healthier lifestyle.

### How “No Car Day” Will Work

On December 5th, Colwood residents will be required to leave their cars parked for 24 hours. During this period, all vehicles will be banned from the roads, with the exception of emergency and essential service vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars. Local businesses and government offices will remain open, but residents will be encouraged to use public transportation, bicycles, or even walk to their destinations.

The city has worked with several organizations to make alternative transportation options available to residents for the day. BC Transit will be offering free bus rides throughout Colwood, and a bike-sharing program has been set up to encourage cycling as a sustainable option. Local rideshare companies are also offering discounted fares for those who need to travel longer distances.

In addition to these measures, several city streets will be closed to vehicles to create temporary pedestrian-only zones in key areas, such as along the waterfront and in the downtown district. These pedestrian zones will allow residents to explore the city without the noise and congestion of vehicles, and will feature pop-up events such as outdoor markets, live music performances, and free fitness classes.

“This is not just about reducing car use for one day—it’s about getting people to think about the impact their daily transportation choices have on the community,” said Emily Harrison, a city councillor who has been a vocal advocate for alternative transportation. “We hope that by providing a day where people can experience Colwood without cars, they’ll see the benefits of a more walkable and bikeable city and be inspired to make long-term changes to how they get around.”

### Mixed Reactions from the Community

The announcement of “No Car Day” has sparked a wide range of reactions from Colwood residents. While many have praised the initiative as a bold and innovative approach to addressing road safety and environmental issues, others have voiced skepticism about its effectiveness. Some residents worry that the ban will disrupt daily life, especially for those who rely on their cars to commute to work, school, or run errands in neighboring communities.

“I think it’s a great idea in theory, but I’m not sure how practical it is for everyone,” said Sarah Jenkins, a local mother of three. “I live in the suburbs, and there’s no public transportation where I am. I rely on my car to get to work and to take my kids to school. For people like me, this might cause more stress than it alleviates.”

Others have expressed concerns about the impact on small businesses, particularly those located on busy streets that will be temporarily closed to traffic. Several business owners have voiced concerns that the event could lead to a decrease in foot traffic and sales, especially for those who depend on customers driving to their stores.

“I understand the importance of safety, but this could hurt local businesses like mine,” said Greg Campbell, owner of Colwood Hardware. “People drive here to pick up supplies. If they can’t drive, they might just stay home instead. We’ll have to see how it plays out, but it feels risky.”

However, proponents of the initiative argue that the short-term inconvenience is necessary to bring attention to the larger issues of traffic safety and sustainability. Local environmental groups have applauded the decision, noting that it is a step toward a more sustainable and livable community.

“This is a great opportunity for people to realize how much they rely on cars and how much better the air quality can be if we reduce our dependence on them,” said Rachel Moretti, an environmental advocate and Colwood resident. “If this event makes even a few people reconsider their transportation habits, then it will have been worth it.”

### The Future of Colwood’s Transportation

While “No Car Day” is a temporary measure, the city’s long-term transportation strategy is focused on creating a safer, more sustainable urban environment. Colwood’s growing population has placed increasing pressure on its infrastructure, and city leaders are committed to making changes to accommodate the city’s future growth while ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents.

In the coming months, Colwood plans to undertake several initiatives aimed at improving road safety, such as installing additional traffic lights, widening key intersections, and introducing more pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure. There are also discussions about expanding the city’s public transit system and creating more car-free zones in high-traffic areas.

“The city’s future depends on how we evolve and adapt to the challenges of a growing population and a changing climate,” said Mayor McCauley. “We have to prioritize safety, sustainability, and accessibility in all our decisions. ‘No Car Day’ is just one step toward a larger vision of Colwood as a safer, more connected, and more environmentally-conscious community.”

### Looking Ahead

As the countdown to “No Car Day” continues, the city of Colwood is preparing for what will undoubtedly be a day of reflection, conversation, and community engagement. While the event will present challenges for some, it is clear that the city’s bold initiative has succeeded in starting important conversations about road safety, environmental sustainability, and the future of urban transportation.

As Colwood takes its first steps toward a car-free day, residents will be watching closely to see how the event unfolds—and whether it can spark lasting change in how they move through their city.