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On Saturday 22 September in a sneak preview of that vision, 'In Town Without My Car!' day will link Manchester and Salford, creating a public space from Manchester Cathedral, down to the River Irwell. (Victoria Bridge Street and Cateaton Street, Manchester 11:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs.)

The two cities are to join forces for the third year running, to mark the occasion, as part of European Mobility Week (16 to 22 September).

Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Environment, Councillor Neil Swannick, said:
"This event gives us a taste of just how much both cities could be enhanced if our bid to create the Irwell City Park is successful. Walkways along an 8km stretch of the river would give people the opportunity to enjoy an area that is currently both unappealing and under-used. New bridges would link the riverbanks, which would also benefit from new seating and cycle-paths. People are healthier and happier when they are active and there's a whole world to discover when you leave the car at home."

Along with hundreds of other cities across Europe, people will be encouraged to leave their cars at home and walk, cycle or use public transport instead.

The theme of this year's "In town, without my car!" day is "Streets for People". The aim is to highlight the health and environmental benefits of being more active and using travel alternatives to the car.

From 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday 22 September, Victoria Bridge Street and Cateaton Street in Manchester city centre will be closed to traffic and the area will be given over to pedestrians.

A range of activities will be on offer, including the chance to try out Zorbing (rolling down hills in a giant inflatable hamster ball!). A climbing wall will be available for those with a head for heights.

In Exchange Square and outside the cathedral, workshops will provide an opportunity to try exciting and unusual activities including capoiera (martial arts style dance activity) and free-running.

On nearby Cateaton Street, there will be a variety of stalls and exhibitions, and advice will be available on issues such as how to tackle climate change and how to plan a journey without driving.

Councillor Derek Antrobus, lead member for planning at Salford City Council, said:
"I'm delighted that Salford, once again, is joining forces with Manchester to celebrate 'In town without my car!' day. We're encouraging as many people as possible to come into Manchester without their cars and enjoy the exciting activities on offer."

A number of new initiatives are being launched to coincide with this year's celebrations.

Award winning pay-by-the-hour car club, WhizzGo, is expanding its citywide network by launching two new locations at the Grand NCP car park and Sackville Street car park due to growing demand. The scheme, which gives members a car when they want one, was launched in partnership with Manchester City Council in 2006. WhizzGo provides individuals and businesses with a simple, cheap and green alternative to car ownership - which reduces carbon emissions and congestion.

Other initiatives include the launch of National Cycle Route 66 from Oldham to Manchester, following improvements to the Rochdale Canal towpath. Also being launched is a new Wildabout Manchester walk highlighting to 14 'Breathing Places' where people can observe wildlife in the city centre.