What can I do?
You don't need to be a politician or an activist. Here are concrete things you can do, from the simplest to the most ambitious.
Influence the public process
Submit comments on city planning
When Stockholm plans new areas or rebuilds existing streets, the plans go out for public consultation. Anyone can submit comments. Your comments become public records that politicians have to respond to. Keep track of current plans at bygg.stockholm.se.
Respond to consultations
The city and the region regularly send out proposals for consultation. Associations and private individuals can respond. It takes a bit more work but carries weight, especially when several people respond with a similar message.
Write op-eds
Local papers like Mitt i Stockholm, Södermalmsnytt and StockholmDirekt are happy to publish opinion pieces from residents. Write about your street, your neighborhood, your kids' route to school. Concrete, local stories land.
Contact your local politician
Your district council members represent you. Send an email, call, or book a meeting. Tell them what you want to see change on your street. Politicians listen more than you'd think, especially at the local level.
File a citizen proposal
You can file a citizen proposal with your district council. It requires that you're registered as a resident of that district. Some districts, like Södermalm, also accept proposals from associations active in the area. The proposal becomes a public record, and if it's taken up at a council meeting you get to come and argue for it yourself.
Get involved in your party
This isn't a left- or right-wing issue. Whatever party you belong to, you can push the question from within. Motions, local meetings, drafting the program. Parties are shaped by their members.
In your neighborhood
Talk to your housing association
Housing co-ops and tenant associations can do a lot. Propose a shared purchase of cargo bikes, installing a bike garage, or having the association comment on city-planning matters that affect your block.
Start a local group
Gather neighbors who share the vision of a better street. A local group has more influence than individual voices. Together you can respond to consultations, contact politicians or organize activities.
Document problems on your street
Take photos and video. What does it look like at rush hour? How does it sound? Where do the children play? Concrete images and stories are stronger than statistics. Share them on social media or send them to the local paper.
Apply to close your street temporarily
Stockholm allows streets to be temporarily closed for events. Apply for a play street, a block party or a car-free neighbor day. Show what the street can look like without traffic.
Report illegally parked cars
Cars parked on sidewalks, bike lanes and crossings are dangerous and take up space. Report them via the City of Stockholm app or call the traffic office. Every report counts.
In everyday life
Talk about it
With neighbors, with colleagues, at the dinner table. Many people share the frustration but think they're alone. The conversation is the first step.
Share the data
Check your street in Gatuligan and share the result. Concrete numbers on noise, air and traffic make the discussion more tangible.
Choose the bike, transit or walking
Every trip without a car reduces traffic, noise and emissions. It may sound like a drop in the ocean, but it shows when more people do it.
Try a cargo bike
One of the most common reasons to take the car in town is "I need to do the shopping" or "I have to drop off the kids." A cargo bike solves both. Many shops rent them out, and your housing association might buy a shared one.
Support local shops
Shops and restaurants on car-free or calm streets show that street life doesn't require car traffic. Shop locally, eat out on your street.
Get organized
Join an organization
There are already organizations working on these issues. Cykelfrämjandet works for better cycling infrastructure. Rebellmammorna fights for children's safety in traffic. And there is us: get involved in Bilfritt Stockholm.
Help build this
Bilfritt Stockholm is built by its members. We need more people who want to write consultation responses and op-eds, do research, design, build tools and run social media. See everything you can help with or email [email protected].