"Cities aren't loud. Cars are loud."
That's what TikToker Everyday Engineering (@everydayengineering) said while experiencing how quiet a city can truly be when it's not overwhelmed by traffic.
@everydayengineering I experienced this super quiet sunday morning in amsterdam before everyone was awake. Surreal to be in a city environment and only hear birds and my footsteps🕊 #cities #city #urbanism #car #cars #bike #amsterdam #street #noise #netherlands ♬ original sound - Everyday Engineering
"I experienced this super quiet Sunday morning in Amsterdam before everyone was awake," Everyday Engineering wrote in the video's caption. "Surreal to be in a city environment and only hear birds and my footsteps."
The video shows peaceful scenes of city life without cars and only the sounds of nature in the background.
Noise pollution is a significant problem in cities worldwide, and much of that nuisance comes from cars.
Research shows that excess noise does more than just annoy you or hurt your ears. It actually takes a toll on a person's nervous system and heightens anxiety levels, potentially taking years off your life.
Meanwhile, walkable cities that prioritize non-car transportation improve the health of residents and visitors while curbing harmful, planet-overheating gases emitted by automobiles and making our streets safer.
Some cities, such as Stockholm, have committed to only allowing electric vehicles in city center zones to eliminate toxic exhaust fumes and reduce vehicle-related accidents.
If we can reduce our reliance on cars in cities, we can not only experience the tranquility the original poster shared in this TikTok video but also breathe in fewer harmful toxins and help make the planet a cooler and healthier place to live. You can also save money on transportation while making city streets quieter by walking and biking whenever possible.
"Amsterdam mornings are the most peaceful thing ever," one TikToker wrote in the comment section.
"Sounds like heaven," a user commented.
"We swim in noise pollution and don't even know it," another wrote.
"My parents always tell me to go outside and walk, but it's just so polluted by noise and cars," someone responded. "I'd love to walk and bike there everyday."
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