The National Coalition for a Week Without Driving announces the first-ever National Week Without Driving challenge, which will be held October 2-8, 2023.
The #WeekWithoutDriving challenges elected leaders, advocates, and individuals to understand the barriers for nondrivers. Participants can get around however they want, but can’t drive themselves. This applies to all activities — not just work commutes. The challenge isn’t about not using a car, rather it’s to see what it’s like to not be the one able to drive, to better understand what it’s like to try to navigate their communities without the privilege of driving.
For the past two years, #WeekWithoutDriving has been focused on Washington State, and this year, the Week Without Driving will go national. The National Coalition is inviting mobility justice advocates across the US to invite elected leaders and transportation professionals in their communities, to take the challenge to better understand what it is like to not be able to drive yourself, wherever and whenever you need or want.
The National Coalition was convened by the Disability Mobility Initiative, America Walks, Access Living, and Front and Centered.
“If you can drive, and can afford a car, you may not understand what it’s like to rely on walking, rolling, transit and asking or paying for rides. But for nearly a quarter of the people in our state – people with disabilities, young people, seniors and people who can’t afford cars or gas, this is our every day,” said Anna Zivarts, Director of the Disability Mobility Initiative in Washington.
Where would or like or need to go? As a local, regional and national advocate for mobility equity, Jonnie Kusek, Director of Transportation for Open Plains Transit, invites everyone to go a week without driving. Local public transportation is a great way to go to work, lunch with friends, shopping, medical appointments, the senior center or the library – all without driving. Are you up to the challenge? Open Plains Transit will be offering free local rides in Hemingford and for rural Box Butte County, Sheridan and Cherry County communities (intercity connections not included), October 2-6, 8-4. Advanced reservations are required, contingent upon availability and weather and are first come, first served. Please call Open Plains Transit at 308-761-8747 to reserve today.