carfree village

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News about the project of carfree ecovillage

At the walk there was (among many others) several workshops about the set-up
of a carfree ecovillage in France (but it could also be elsewhere).

We send a call to all people supporting this idea, because we look for a
site of 5ha or much more, with one building at least, close to a train
station (10 km max) and public transports that could be bought, rented (or
other arrangements) for a long term use. We do not look for an isolated
place. This project is based on a contract between inhabitants not to use
automobile transportation. It intends to create the spot for a large mix of
activities, including farming, production, culture, social ones to create an
economy of proximity and to develop research and innovation.

It would use soft transportation modes (public transports, bikes, animal
power), internet and only allow cars in cases of fire and medical urgencies
and some deliveries when no alternative exists.

With the carfree ecovillage, we try to come out of the dilemma:
- city life is dependent on networks like food distribution, water, waste
treatments, consumption chains... and built environment that are not
ecological,
- new countryside life is too much dependent on the car
- the ancient model of country life where people are closed up either not
attractive.

With increasing oil prices, this idea seems unavoidable on the long-term.

internet links: www.decroissance.org (in french)