Car fasting" campaign in Saxon city for the first time

In the upcoming Lent, the participatory campaign "Autofasten" is being offered for the first time in a town in Saxony. From March 5 to April 19, people in Markkleeberg near Leipzig are called upon to leave their cars behind and travel by bus, train, bicycle or on foot.

The car fast is organized by the State Association for Sustainable Saxony (LVNS). Project coordinator Stephanie Scholz explained that it is difficult to estimate the response to the campaign in advance. They are hoping for at least 50 to 100 participants. "But we are also happy with a smaller number of participants." Participants can enter which journeys they have made and by which means of transport in a daily fasting calendar.

"Car fasting" in Thuringia since 2011

In the neighboring federal state of Thuringia, experience has been gained with "car fasting" since 2011. Transport associations and churches support the project. "It's about providing food for thought," said Tilman Wagenknecht, Managing Director of Bus & Bahn Thüringen e.V., where the "Autofasten" campaign office is based. People should be encouraged to include the topic of mobility in the fasting period.

At the beginning in particular, the organizers faced "strong headwinds", reported Wagenknecht. Critics complained that the aim was to make driving a car unpleasant. In the meantime, the insults on the internet have decreased significantly, even "almost come to a standstill", said Wagenknecht. He emphasized that the "car fast" was an offer - nothing more and nothing less. The number of people who take part each year is not recorded.

Expansion planned in Saxony

The State Association for Sustainable Saxony is not only hoping for lively participation in the small town of Markkleeberg, but is also looking to the future. "Our goal is to expand the "Autofasten" to other municipalities in the coming year - ideally even to the whole of Saxony," explained coordinator Scholz. A corresponding project application has been submitted.