We’re asking you to give up driving for a week and start understanding the needs of our neighbors who don’t or can’t drive
For nearly one third of people in Allegheny County (including older adults, young people, people with disabilities, and those who cannot afford the high costs of car ownership), walking, biking, rolling, and public transit are essential to everyday life. Yet the barriers they face to move safely, reliably, and freely are often invisible to many neighbors and decision-makers.
Week Without Driving PGH wants to change that. This growing national movement encourages people to commit to not driving for the week to see what it’s like to navigate our streets without a car.
Expanding our focus
BikePGH is proud to co-host this year’s Week Without Driving PGH, taking place September 29 – October 5, 2025, co-hosted by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, Bike Pittsburgh, and Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh.
This year we really aim to expand our reach beyond Pittsburgh in order to include perspectives from lifelong non-drivers, disabled neighbors, bus riders, and bike commuters from across the entire region, not just the city. Together, we’re inviting all of Allegheny County to help amplify the experiences of our neighbors who rely on non-driving transportation in their normal every day lives, because ample challenges are here are we really need to address them:
Ultimately, we are looking to highlight the diverse experiences of all our neighbors near and far, and foster more inclusive, accessible infrastructure and planning solutions that work for everyone, not just those who drive to get around.
Why This Week Matters
Especially in a largely car-dependent region like ours, it’s important to understand the daily obstacles non-drivers face when accessing jobs, groceries, healthcare, or to simply visit family and friends. When you give up driving:
Maybe you realize your bus only comes once an hour, if at all.
Maybe the sidewalk is blocked by a parked car, or crumbling so badly it’s a tripping hazard.
Maybe your bike lane abruptly ends on a busy road.
Maybe the experience gives you a whole new sense of freedom and gets you thinking outside the car for your own everyday life.
Week Without Driving PGH asks you to notice those moments, then act on them.
The Week Without Driving is a nationwide movement to link the needs of disabled individuals and people of all ages with environmental movements and accessible community planning. Together, we will illustrate challenges and opportunities for non-drivers and call for change that improves mobility for all.
Excerpt from the national campaign at weekwithoutdriving.org
Here’s how you can participate
Step 1: Take the Week Without Driving pledge: You can participate in WWDPGH as an individual, organization or elected leader, and invite other folks to sign on here.
Step 2: Commit to not driving yourself for the week. You can still carpool, ride transit, bike, walk, or use paratransit, just don’t get behind the wheel yourself.
Instead, bike to your errands, walk to a café, and catch the bus or T to work. Use this time to reconnect with your surroundings and see what’s easy and what’s difficult about the experience.
Step 3: Tell us your experience! What surprised you, or frustrated you? Whose stories do we need to hear more of? If you had a particularly hard time, consider getting involved in advocacy to bring better mobility to your community.
Step 4: Contact your elected leaders. Your voice helps push for the sidewalks, transit funding, bus stops, bike lanes, and infrastructure improvements our region deserves.
Join us!
During the Week Without Driving PGH, join us for community events that discuss the benefits of sustainable and just mobility practices. We encourage you to take the pledge, attend, and share your story at weewithoutdrivingpgh.org
NEWSLETTER