Can You Go a Week Without Driving? Join the Challenge Oct. 2-8

Riding my electric cargo bike is my favorite thing

Paul Tolmé

  • Cascade is among more than 123 organizations in 35 states that are participating in the Week Without Driving Challenge the first week of October. 
  • Walk, bike, roll, scoot, use mass transit–or even bum a ride–from Oct. 2 to 8. If you have to get behind the wheel, consider how someone would make the same trip without driving.  
  • The goal: educate elected officials, drivers, and voters about the challenges of life without a car.

Anna Zivarts of the Disability Mobility Initiative pedaled to our 2023 Bike Everywhere Breakfast.

Driving is the norm for most people, but not for the tens of millions of Americans who can’t or don’t drive due to their age, disability, or the high cost of car ownership.

The Week Without Driving, Oct. 2 to 8, is an opportunity for people who regularly get behind the wheel to experience life without that privilege.

“We created the Week Without Driving challenge so that policy makers, elected leaders and transportation professionals can begin to understand the barriers non-drivers experience in accessing our communities,” says Anna Zivarts, director of the Disability Mobility Initiative.

Begun in Washington state in 2021 and expanded in 2022, the Week Without Driving has grown into a national challenge in 2023 thanks to a partnership with America Walks. At least 123 advocacy organizations in 35 states and the District of Columbia have pledged to participate. 

Cascade Bicycle Club is promoting the #WeekWithoutDriving, and multiple staff members have committed to biking, walking, and using public transportation.

Anna Zivarts was born with nystagmus, a genetic condition that reduces her visual acuity and prevents her from driving. 
Mobility Privilege

Read firsthand accounts from Cascade staff members who participated last year in our story, “Lessons on Mobility Privilege from a Week Without Driving.”

Elected officials who have pledged not to drive include: King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay; Seattle City Council Member Tammy Morales; State Sens. Jamie Pedersen, Rebecca Saldaña, Marko Liias, and Emily Randall; State Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon and Emily Alvarado; Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson; and Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.

The main reason to participate is to, as the saying goes, “walk a mile in another person’s shoes,” and experience the mobility challenges that non-drivers face. Individuals who are aware of these challenges are more likely to support investments in biking and walking infrastructure, and better mass transit. 

Side benefits include reducing pollution, saving gas money, getting more fresh air and exercise, and learning about the public transit options (or lack thereof) in your community.

Cascade members and people who ride bikes regularly are ideally suited for this challenge. Please join us Oct. 2-8 for a #WeekWithoutDriving. 

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