The 2008 Towards Carfree Cities conference starts today. The World Carfree Network's annual five-day event, entitled “Rethinking Mobility, Rediscovering Proximity,” lands in North America for the first time. Progressive Portland, Oregon, several times recognized as the most bike friendly city in the US and an international model for sustainable transportation and smart development, seems to be the ideal choice as the host.

From CarFree Portland:

This year’s Towards Carfree Cities conference theme is intended to promote discussion of urban livability, mixed-use development, local agriculture, pedestrianization, strong neighborhoods, accessible public space, and sustainable transportation. The conference program unites diverse interests, from city planners to developers to environmental activists to transportation service providers, around the common goal of reducing communities’ dependence on automobiles.

Festivities begin with Monday's Depaving Day: the event will oversee the transformation of a 3,000 square foot asphalt parking lot into a community garden. The permanent site will have information on hand to educate the public about the environmental damage caused by asphalt, including increased runoff and pollution, destroyed natural habitat, and its contribution to global warming.

There's a dizzying array of other happenings including symposiums on Transportation Solutions for Families in a Car-Oriented World, demotorizing cities, and converting streets to be more hospitable to peds and bikes. There are also several bike, walking, and mass transit tours of Portland and the surrounding communities; art exhibits; yoga classes; and even a performance by the Sprokettes – a mini-bike dance troupe!

Can't make it to Portland to witness the action? CarFree Portland is hosting a webcast of several of the discussions live from the conference.

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