World Car-Free Day: Stretch along Joo Chiat Road to be closed to traffic on Oct 3

A section of Joo Chiat Road — between Dunman Road and East Coast Road — will be closed to vehicular traffic for six hours on Oct 3, as part of activities marking this year's World Car-Free Day, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced on Wednesday (Sept 2). 

The road closure will take place from 3.30pm to 9.30pm. 

Cities across the globe mark World Car-Free Day each year around Sept 22 by encouraging motorists to leave their cars behind and opt for more sustainable modes of transport. 

The initiative aims to highlight the benefits of a car-lite lifestyle, including reduced air pollution, a lower carbon footprint, and opportunities to walk and cycle in a safer environment. It also gives city dwellers the opportunity to experience how their neighbourhoods might look, feel and sound in a more car-lite setting.

In a media factsheet on this year's World Car-Free Day, LTA said that it hopes this will allow members of the public to discover more of Singapore by walking, cycling and taking public transport, while also connecting with the communities, heritage and public places around them.

The centrepiece event, Joo Chiat Car-Free Day, was co-created with community partners, local businesses and residents, and will celebrate the area's rich heritage, vibrant street life and unique identity, LTA said.

A range of interactive exhibits, sustainability showcases and family-friendly activities will take place throughout the event.

These include a live music performance staged by public transport operator SMRT at the Thomson-East Coast Line's Marine Parade station, the Urban Sustainability Bike Tour organised under Clean and Green Singapore 2026 by the National Environment Agency and the Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore), and Sport Singapore's Heritage Fitness Challenge.

Several government statutory boards will also offer engaging programmes and experiences for all ages.

In the evening, the Marine Parade grassroots, together with Katong Culture and Katong-Joo Chiat Business Association will also organise a community party featuring activities for all ages.

"The programmes showcase how streets can be transformed into vibrant community spaces that encourage active commutes, social connections, placemaking and appreciation of local heritage," LTA said.

More information on the road closures and activities at Joo Chiat Car-Free Day 2026 will be made available progressively on the authority's website. 

[[nid:595870]]

editor@asiaone.com