Transportation shapes every part of life. Week Without Driving shines a light on that reality and invites everyone to experience, reflect, and share what life is like without driving. It’s a chance to understand daily life for the millions of people who cannot drive due to age, disability, income, or other barriers. It’s an opportunity to tell your story and help reimagine what transportation options could look like in your community. The Week builds public awareness through powerful stories, inspires community-driven action, and engages elected leaders at all levels of government. The goal is to reduce car dependency and provide transportation options, including walking, rolling, biking, catching public transit, or a ride from someone, to all people in all communities.

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 typically transport other family members or friends, this also applies to those trips.

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 services if they are available where you need to go, but again, consider how the cost could impact your decision to take this trip if this were your only option regularly.

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 transportation and delivery needs to others. Having to drive during the challenge does not signify failure; it is a natural part of the process. 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 on 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, consider how a non-driver would’ve managed.

So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us from Monday, September 29, to October 5, 2025!