Welcome to Tempe Bicycle Action Group’s Week Without Driving!
Big thanks for teaming up with us at Tempe Bicycle Action Group, leaders and advocates from across the country who are participating in the Week Without Driving, which will run from Monday, September 29th to Sunday, October 5th this year.
First, why are we here?
Imagine not being able to drive. That’s the reality for a third of people who live in the U.S., especially those with disabilities, young people, seniors and people who can’t afford cars or gas. We encourage you to read about the experiences of nondrivers in resources like this Washington state story map, watch last year’s highlight video. As you read and hear these stories, consider how nondrivers in your area may experience similar barriers with everyday mobility.
How Does the Week Without Driving Work?
You can get around however you want, but the challenge is not to drive yourself in any car. This applies to all your activities — not just your work commute. If you normally transport other family members or friends, it applies to those trips too.
You can ask someone else to drive you, but make a note of how much you “owe” this person for their time, and if you feel obligated to support them in other ways (i.e., doing all the dishes). You can use taxis or ride hail if they exist where you need to go, but again, think about how the cost could impact your decision to take this trip if this was regularly your only option.
Keep this in mind!
This isn’t a disability simulation or a test of how easily you can find alternatives. We know that it is far easier to give up your keys if you can afford to live in a walkable area well served by transit, or can outsource your driving and other transport and delivery needs to other people. Having to drive during the challenge does not signify failure. The point is to consider how someone without that option would have coped, and what choices they might need to make.
Just as the week is not a simulation of how easily you can find alternatives, the week is not a celebration of car-free living or a Bike Everywhere event. If you live car-free or bicycle by choice, take this week to consider and reflect how you would get around without those options or if they were less available to you.
We strongly encourage you to treat the week like any other by not clearing your calendar or otherwise minimizing your typical travel during the week. Live your week as usual! Avoid stocking up or dodging commitments. If you reschedule something, think about how a nondriver would’ve managed.
We’ll provide you with tools to prepare for the #WeekWithoutDriving and prompts during the week to reflect on what you’re learning and share with your community and other participants across the country. Use #WeekWithoutDriving to share your prep and thoughts. Got questions? Just ask! Read about how Sarah, Skitch, and Lee get around the Valley without a car.
And remember to invite your family, friends and neighbors!
Week Without Driving Events
- Monday, September 29 from 7pm to 8pm: Learn how to carry things by bike class
- Clark Park Community Center
- Free to attend
- Tuesday, September 30 from 6pm to 8pm: Happy hour
- The Shop Beer Co
- Thursday, October 2 at 7:15pm: Tempe Inclusive Pedaling social group ride
- Jaycee Park
- Friday, October 3 from 7am to 8:30am: Coffee office hours
- Infusion Coffee + Tea Crafters
- Saturday, October 4 at 8:45am: Bike audit
- Tempe Library
