Yesterday in Bogota was one of those rare days in a big city where you feel everyone is pulling together to make it nice – even the weatherman. Not only was the sun shining, but everyone was out walking, cycling and generally feeling good since it was No Cars Day. This means only buses and taxis are allowed to take to the roads. We at the Colombia Travel Blog took advantage of it by wandering the streets to get some snaps.
These photos should also give people a good idea of what the Bogota we live in looks like. Many travellers, when they travel to Bogota, understandably end up only seeing the charming colonial streets of La Candelaria, but as a resident in Bogota, these are the sorts of areas you wander round in.
Keep in mind, these pictures were taken during a peak hour for traffic.
Calle 127, usually full of cars
The only way to get to work
One of northern Bogota's most used intersections
No cars nearby in leafy Chapinero
The carpark at Unicentro, one of Bogota's busiest and oldest malls
Only buses on an often gridlocked piece of road
A line of taxis, waiting for custom
The carpark again, usually full 24/7
An indoor car park with no cars
Taxis line up on one of Bogota's busiest roads
‘El Dia Sin Carro’ is one of many government-introduced schemes in Bogota and around Colombia that help reduce annual emissions, contributing to Colombia’s attempts to reduce environmental damage. Another example is ‘La Ciclovia’, which takes place every Sunday in Colombia’s capital. ‘La Ciclovia’, like ‘El Dia Sin Carro’, limits the usage of vehicles for that day but instead of allowing some vehicles, all are banned from some of Bogota’s major routes, most notably La Septima.
On such days the city not only helps Colombia’s green image, but becomes a place of great unity with a wonderful family atmosphere. And for many, it’s a great cure for a hangover.
Ryan
tomaron una foto de mi calle
Bogota sin carros es lo maximo! sobre todo cuando hay sol!
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