Could Edinburgh Go Car-Free for the Tour de France in 2027?

A proposal to introduce a major Car-Free Day in Edinburgh is heading to the City Council this week, with residents being encouraged to show their support for opening up our streets to people and communities.

With Edinburgh set to host the Grand Départ of the Tour de France on 2 July 2027, councillors are being asked to explore the possibility of marking the occasion with a city-wide celebration of car-free streets.

The proposal, brought forward by Scottish Greens Councillor Lorenzo Martinico, follows a series of articles by active travel engineer Corey Boyle in The Edinburgh Inquirer, calling for a more ambitious approach to reclaiming public space from traffic.

The motion asks the Council to investigate the feasibility, costs and impacts of closing major city-centre roads and town centres to private cars for a day, potentially establishing an annual Car-Free Day for Edinburgh.

Reimagining our streets

Car-Free Days are already celebrated in more than 400 cities and towns worldwide, offering opportunities for communities to experience their streets differently, with space for walking, cycling, playing and gathering.

As Corey Boyle explains:

“Held weekly, monthly, or annually in over 400 cities and towns worldwide, in rich or poor nations, they share one thing in common: they close the streets to private cars and give them back to their residents.”

Councillor Martinico hopes the proposal will encourage people to imagine what Edinburgh’s streets could look like with less traffic:

“So I am calling for a day where we reimagine our streets being opened up to different usage: remove bulky car traffic, and they can become a space for kids to play, to share a meal with our neighbours, and maybe one day to grow some food.”

Beyond a single day, the proposal could open up wider conversations about how Edinburgh’s public spaces can support healthier, more connected and climate-resilient communities.

Have your say – support a Car-Free Day for Edinburgh

Would you like to see Edinburgh’s streets opened up for people, not cars?

With the motion going before the City Council this Thursday, 29 October, Edinburgh residents are being encouraged to contact their local councillors and ask them to support the proposal.

This is an opportunity to help shape a city with more space for walking, cycling, playing and connecting with our communities.

Write to your local councillors and ask them to support a Car-Free Day for Edinburgh.

Find and contact your local councillors

Source: The Edinburgh Inquirer