Friday is European Car-Free Day. Europeans take the day seriously. Roads close and cities come alive as streets designed to maximise throughput of cars become social spaces where people can enjoy street theatre, live music, dancing, public art and children's play areas.

To buck the unsustainable trend of ever-growing car use, European town halls offer bikes and free public transport to help people see how easy it is to be car-free some of the time.

As I have said before, cars are cheap and millions of us drive.

But if we all drove everywhere all of the time, it'd be hell. Do we really want to live in a glorified car park, blighted by pollution, the noise of fast vehicles destroying conversation?

Critics say there are no alternatives. Really? In the UK, 80 per cent of car journeys are under five miles, and 50 per cent are under two miles. If your journeys are this short, and if you are not elderly, pregnant or ill, why not get on a bike (or a bus) just to see what your commute is like? I bet it's a lot quicker and cheaper than you thought.

Oxford is one of 62 municipalities nationally participating in Car-Free Day (CFD). The county council is the "responsible" authority with regard to highways and transport, but its resources are committed elsewhere and it can't help with CFD. Maybe next year? Or will the council's political leaders support driving until the last drop of oil has been wheedled out of the North Sea?

Again, it has fallen to the city council to run CFD. In an ideal world, it would get lots of advance publicity so that provision is in place for those who leave their cars at home. In some European towns, you have to apply in writing to use a car in town on CFD.

Despite its modest budget, Oxford's CFD gets better every year. Half of Broad Street is closed from 9am-5.30pm on Friday. Attractions include street cafs, performances, lots of stalls, even skating.

There is a limited number of free-drinks vouchers for anyone who arrives in Broad Street by any means other than a car.

Cycle in for an assessment and a tweak at the "bike doctor". Most repairs are done in situ and labour is free - you only pay for the parts that are needed.

And if you are worried about your addiction to driving, check into the Petrol Addiction Rehab Clinic (Parc).

"Petrol addiction is all around us," explains 'Roadwitcher' and artist Ted Dewan. "When left unaddressed for long periods, it can lead to serious health problems. The Parc provides a relaxing place to lie down and muse on the rare treat of a car-free Broad Street."

If you think you may be addicted to burning petrol, or if you know someone who is, go to the Parc.

They'll offer a sympathetic ear and help you combat the psychological and physical effects of long-term petrol abuse.

The clinic is open from midday to 5pm. Detox now - you know you want to!