National Week Without Driving is Almost Here!
The third annual Week Without Driving is just around the corner starting October 2, 2023, and goes through October 8, 2023. Disability Rights Washington began this challenge, and it has grown over the last two years in Washington state. Now it is going national in partnership with America Walks! They are hosting this challenge to help those who typically drive experience what life would be like if driving wasn’t an option.
This August, Governor Jay Inslee, who had previously participated in a previous Week Without Driving, signed a proclamation stating, “Access to mobility is a fundamental part of health and community connection, allowing Washingtonians to reach education and employment opportunities, medical services, shopping, recreation, and visit family and friends, and is one of the state’s six transportation goals…”
This proclamation explains that going a week without driving can help clarify how we can improve our current transportation system to better serve all members of our community.
What is America Walks?
America Walks is a national nonprofit that works to advance safe, equitable, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk and move. At the regional, statewide, and neighborhood levels they provide critical strategic support, training, and technical assistance to partner organizations and individuals, and serve as the convener of a large network of grassroots advocates working to make walkable communities.
Participants can walk, bike, bus, and ride with others for the week. It is important to note the cost of traveling. Sometimes the cost may be a favor if you ask a friend to take you to the grocery store or it could be a charge from an Uber. It’s important to consider the sustainability of these trips to honor those who cannot drive.
You can sign up at https://americawalks.org/campaigns/national-week-without-driving/ and use the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving to share your experience on social media.
Not able to participate this year?
Try a day without driving instead of a week or replace a single car trip by taking the bus or riding your bike. Another option is to try a different challenge like #multimodalmondays where you challenge yourself to walk, bike, or bus every Monday. You can also go to Disability Rights Washington’s website and check out their Transportation Access For Everyone Storymap. There you’ll find personal stories of those living in the state of Washington who use different modes of transportation.
For information on how to host your own #WeekWithoutDriving, visit: https://ow.ly/Li3q50PPTSN.