This week, Washington is switching gears.
A Week Without Driving is an initiative organized by Disability Rights Washington that asks people to ditch their cars for a week. The purpose is to help build understanding for how those with disabilities, youth, and folks who don’t drive cars get around the city — which in Seattle accounts for about 55,000 people .
While it’s easy to understand how traveling via only bus can be a challenge or why dedicated bike lanes foster safety, it’s a whole different thing to experience for yourself. Disability Rights Washington hopes the week-long experiment can create a more robust advocacy network and in turn, a better community.
You won’t be the only one who’s trying it. Several Seattle + King County councilmembers, Sound Transit’s incoming CEO Julie Timm , Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, and many other local officials are also jumping in on the challenge.
So, how does it work?
There are only a few parameters, since the point is to get people to think creatively and have a well-rounded experience.
- You’re free to use whatever mode of transportation you want, but try not to drive your car at all.
- Think about how using your mode of choice might affect your day-to-day in the longer term. How quickly does the price of Ubers add up? How would you repay a friend who drives you around for a month? How would your walk change if you had a broken leg or bad ankle?
- Share your experience by using the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving on social media, or by sending an email or voice memo . You can use the initiative’s prompt tool to get you started.
Want to give it a try?
Here are some resources you might find beneficial.
- Public transit users can use the Transit app to help plan their trips and view real-time information. This can also be a good opportunity to try out the new ORCA card system .
- Bikers can map out their route on the Seattle Department of Transportation’s website .
- We also have some tips for getting around without gas and enjoying bike paths .