In a world where cars symbolize freedom, some Israeli families are finding liberation in going without them. A new study from the Hebrew University explores the surprising motivations of middle-class parents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem who choose to live car-free—not out of necessity, but by design. Their reasons range from fear of driving to a desire for healthier lifestyles, stronger communities, and more independent children. These “outlier” families offer powerful insights that challenge transportation norms and open new avenues for policy and planning.
In a society where owning a car is often seen as essential, a new study by researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem sheds light on an unlikely trend: middle-class families with children who voluntarily choose to live without a car.
The study, conducted by Professor. Galit Cohen-Blankshtain and Professor. Anat Gofen from the Federmann School of Public Policy and Governance at Hebrew University, examined 27 Israeli families in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv that have opted for a carless lifestyle. Contrary to expectations, these families were not primarily motivated by financial limitations or environmental concerns. Instead, their decisions stemmed from a mix of personal values, such as promoting children’s independence, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, fostering a strong sense of community, and—perhaps most unexpectedly—fear of driving or car ownership responsibilities.
“Our research shows that although a carless lifestyle poses challenges, there are many benefits that are overlooked by car-dependent families.” said Professor. Cohen-Blankshtain. “Their experiences highlight interesting motivations and adaptive practices that could reshape how we think about transportation policy.”
The study identifies instrumental and emotional strategies used by carless families to navigate daily life—such as living in walkable neighborhoods, using taxis or rental cars when necessary, and customizing their routines to reduce the need for spontaneous travel. The researchers argue that these outlier families offer valuable insights into reducing society’s dependence on private vehicles.
According to Professor. Gofen, “Studying the outliers helps us expand the conversation beyond typical economic or environmental rationales. These families remind us that meaningful change often starts with those who don’t follow the mainstream.”
The authors advocate for broader policy support to make car-free living more accessible, including improved mobility services, public messaging that emphasizes the benefits of active and community-oriented lifestyles, and tools to help all families move away from default car dependence.
This study is published in the Journal of Transport Geography and contributes to global conversations on sustainable urban mobility, outlier-focused policy design, and the future of family life in dense urban environments.