Joo Chiat Car-Free Day on Oct. 3, 2026: A stretch of Joo Chiat Road to be closed for 6 hours
Bus, MRT, walk.
Joo Chiat Car-Free Day is scheduled for October 3, 2026, with a portion of Joo Chiat Road, spanning between Dunman Road and East Coast Road, set to be shut off to vehicles from 3:30pm to 9:30pm. This marks the inaugural occasion where a locale outside Singapore's Central Business District will undergo such a closure, as announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on September 2. The event, a joint creation of community groups, local businesses, and residents, coincides with World Car-Free Day 2026.
A series of activities are planned from September to November 2026 in anticipation of the day. On the day of the event, the LTA and its partners will host interactive exhibits, sustainability showcases, and family-friendly activities in Joo Chiat. Train passengers traveling to Joo Chiat can enjoy a music performance by SMRT at TEL Marine Parade Station from 4pm to 5pm.
The day also offers bike tours, dance, pickleball, and rollerblading activities. Evening events, organized by local community groups, will cater to all ages, featuring cultural performances, activities for children, and live shows.
The event aims to transform streets into lively community spaces that foster social connections, placemaking, and appreciation of local heritage. The LTA's broader efforts to promote walking, cycling, and public transport include expanding cycling networks, enhancing connectivity to public transport, and creating more people-friendly streets across Singapore.
Gamification is also part of the plan, with the LTA partnering the Health Promotion Board to encourage users of the Healthy 365 app to accumulate at least 10,000 steps over four consecutive days, earning a special edition World Car-Free Day badge.
Additionally, an interactive mobile game developed by the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and accessible via the CrowdTaskSG platform from September 1 to November 30 will require participants to walk, cycle, and utilize public transport to complete various challenges across Singapore. Every September 22, cities worldwide observe World Car-Free Day to promote a car-lite lifestyle, emphasizing the advantages of reduced air pollution, lower carbon footprints, and safer environments for walking and cycling. This year's celebration will precede the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix from October 9 to 11.
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