This week helps cultivate empathy for people who rely on walking, biking, rolling, and public transit to get around

If you have the means to drive or own a car, you might not fully grasp the experience of those who rely on walking, biking, rolling, and public transit. For nearly one-third of people in the United States—such as those with disabilities, young individuals, older people, and those who can’t afford cars or gas—this is their daily reality.

The Week Without Driving aims to give more people a firsthand understanding of the obstacles faced by non-drivers and to encourage widespread collaboration in making communities more accessible for everyone. 

Along with Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, and AARP Pittsburgh,  BikePGH is pleased to be co-hosting Pittsburgh’s local Week Without Driving, September 30 – October 6th, 2024. This week is about much more than just reducing the amount of cars out there on our streets– it’s a chance to reimagine what our city can be when we prioritize people and accessibility in order to achieve safe and convenient transportation options and infrastructure design.

During Week Without Driving PGH, we urge our neighbors and elected leaders to think about the barriers people face in our current system. For some, it’s the lack of safe, accessible sidewalks for walking and rolling, or lack of wheelchair access. For others, it’s the absence of reliable public transit. When we set an intention to take a week away from our cars, we can more clearly see the gravity of these issues and pave the way for solutions that can lead to lasting change for mobility options in Pittsburgh. 

Here’s how you can participate

Step 1: Take the Week Without Driving pledge + Make a plan to leave your car at home for the week. Then, reflect: Does a week without a car sound daunting to you? Think about the reasons why you may feel that way. Is it because of lack of access to public transit in your neighborhood, lack of connected bikeways, or is it something else? It’s important to think about these barriers and why they exist. 

→ Join us in pledging to take a Week Without Driving, and call for true mobility options for all in Allegheny County. You can participate as an individual, organization or elected official

Step 2: Instead of driving for the week, get on your bikes and ride, take a walk and reconnect with your community, or hop on the bus or the T. 

Step 3: Use your voice to advocate for better, more inclusive transportation policies. Share your experiences and ideas with city officials and transportation planners. Your feedback is invaluable in creating a more equitable transportation system. Learn how to connect with your local officials + Share your story here!

Step 4: After the week, reflect further- Can you commit to having car-free days with more regularity? Why or why not? If not, consider getting involved in advocacy to bring better mobility to your community.

Streets are for people.

Week Without Driving is also an opportunity to think about our mobility rights: Our right to have safe bikeways and walkways. Our right to clear and accessible sidewalks. Our right to convenient and reliable transportation options. Our right to get from point A to point B safely. Our right for our friends, neighbors, children, and our friends’ and neighbors’ children to get from point A to point B safely. Everyone, regardless of how they get around, deserves these rights.

Similarly, Mobility Justice is about ensuring that everyone has equitable access to transportation options, regardless of their income, ability, or the location of their neighborhood. When we embrace mobility justice, we work towards a system that serves all people, not just those who have a car. This means safer streets for everyone, improved access to essential services, and a healthier environment.

We also know that safely traveling on our streets with any mode of transportation first begins with the proper street design and infrastructure. And yet, from a mobility justice standpoint it’s important to note that many lower income / J40 communities have lower car ownership, and are also missing out on having bike infrastructure. This is unfortunate, because neighborhoods with low car ownership are exactly where bike infrastructure, sidewalks and transit need to be improved and expanded. 

At the same time, we also need to continuously learn from history, remember our individual privileges, and make sure we are looking out for each other, especially remembering that the history of black mobility, for example, is complicated. This is just one of many examples, but is important all the same to remember and reflect on as we embark on the Week Without Driving.

Looking to the Future

This week is a really great opportunity to really think through why we should show our support for improved services and infrastructure.

We envision a future where our streets are safe and welcoming for everyone, where public transportation is reliable and efficient, and where our city thrives on sustainable practices. It’s not just about this week—it’s about creating a ripple effect that leads to a more just and equitable transportation system for all.

During the Week Without Driving PGH, there will be community events that discuss the benefits of sustainable and just mobility practices. We encourage you to attend, and to share your story at weewithoutdrivignpgh.org – because sharing knowledge and experiences helps build momentum for change.

About Week Without Driving PGH

Whether due to disability, age, or income – non-drivers come from all walks of life. The Week Without Driving was developed by disability advocates in Washington state and is now a national initiative, led by America Walks and the National Campaign for Transit Justice. 

Locally, we’re proud to join this movement to raise awareness for greater mobility needs in every community. With Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s diminished service, crumbling sidewalks, disconnected bike lanes, and insufficient ACCESS services, the lack of investment in safe and accessible mobility options for non-drivers leaves too many residents stranded and struggling to access basic needs.

Week Without Driving PGH is hosted locally by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, BikePGH, and AARP Pittsburgh. It is also supported by the long list of sponsors below.

You can invite your Local and Allegheny County elected officials to endorse the Week Without Driving PGH by sending them this email.