Countering Car Culture, One Trip at a Time

Posted: 01 Jan 2005

Related to: Promoting Cycling in Africa, Planning & Advocacy for Cycling & Walking,
Contributed by: Lisa Peterson, ITDP

Over the last decade, projects by ITDP and others have used technology, events and social marketing to alter the way transit and non-motorized transport are perceived.

In 2000, the automobile industry spent $25 billion on advertising and another $25 billion in rebates and incentives to sell its cars. As companies battle each other for customers in developed countries, and reach out to new owners across the developing world, the industry is selling more than just its product. With ads that depict cars as the road to fun, freedom and prosperity, the car industry is selling a powerful lifestyle image, especially in developing countries where car ownership is growing fast. An increasing number of NGO’s, community groups and governments are finding creative, low-cost ways to fight back. Over the last decade, projects by ITDP and others have used technology, events and social marketing to alter the way transit and non-motorized transport are perceived.