A section of Joo Chiat Road in Singapore was closed to vehicular traffic on October 3 in celebration of World Car-Free Day, attracting over 5,000 visitors to the heritage enclave. The event, held from 3:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., marked the first time an area outside the Central Business District (CBD) was designated car-free for this annual global initiative promoting sustainable transportation.
The half-kilometre stretch between Dunman Road and East Coast Road transformed into a lively pedestrian zone featuring around 90 merchants. Visitors, including families and cyclists, engaged in a variety of activities along the road and adjacent lanes such as Marshall Lane and Duku Road. Offerings included food stalls, pet grooming services, live music performances, and interactive booths for children. The event also incorporated a boxing ring showcasing championship bouts and a café and bar trail, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
Minister of State for Transport and Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng attended the event, emphasizing the value of walking and cycling in exploring familiar and new neighborhoods across Singapore. “We hope that people will also explore different parts of Singapore,” he said during the event.
Goh Pei Ming, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade–Braddell Heights Group Representation Constituency and Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development, described the event as a milestone for the constituency. He highlighted Joo Chiat’s reputation as a vibrant community rich in arts, culture, and dining options, noting the potential for visitors to discover “hidden gems” by slowing down and exploring the area more intimately.
The initiative was overseen by auxiliary police officers to ensure safety along the barricaded route. The event divided the area into multiple zones, accommodating the diverse range of activities and vendors. Hannah James, head of placemaking at the Katong-Joo Chiat Business Association, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the increased exposure for local businesses, including yoga studios located on upper floors that saw some classes fully booked during the event.
Ng Hwee Ong, co-owner of Gallery+ Katong, an artisan gallery supporting local designers and small businesses, noted that the gallery experienced a busy crowd within the first hour. “The vibe is very good. It’s different from the usual weekend crowd. People from all over the island are here,” Ng said.
Among the event’s unique sights was Matthew Koh, 59, who rode a bicycle towing his 14-year-old longhaired dachshund, Max, in a “pet taxi” converted from a children’s walker. Koh, a project manager at an interior design and renovation firm, typically participates in car-free days in the CBD and had cycled about half an hour from Serangoon via the Park Connector Network to reach Joo Chiat.
Visitors such as Natalie Tan, 27, a copywriter, expressed enthusiasm for the concept. Having learned about the event on social media, she sampled local treats and explored the shops. Tan suggested that similar car-free initiatives could be introduced in areas like Orchard Road or Marina Bay to further enliven Singapore’s urban landscape. Observing the large turnout, she commented on the scarcity of such activities, noting they greatly contribute to a dynamic and engaging community environment.
The success of the inaugural car-free event at Joo Chiat Road underscores growing support for sustainable urban mobility and community engagement outside Singapore’s traditional city center. In 2025, the street was recognized by a British media group as one of the world’s top 15 coolest streets, highlighting its cultural vibrancy that the event sought to showcase further.