Get ready to walk, roll, or ride around Seattle during '#WeekWithoutDriving'

People around Seattle and across the country are challenging themselves to not use their cars to get around from Oct. 2 until Oct. 8. Organizers of #WeekWithoutDriving say the event is about identifying gaps in transportation systems that make it difficult for people who aren't able to drive or can't afford to drive.

The challenge started in 2021 by Disability Rights Washington, a nonprofit group based in Seattle.

Program Director Anna Zivarts encouraged drivers to leave their cars at home and, “ride transit, walk, or roll” from Monday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 8. People should also consider carpooling or using a ride-sharing service, she said.

Zivarts said the goal is for drivers to “understand more of the barriers that exist for those of us who can't and don't drive and what we could do to change to make our communities more accessible for everyone.”

Common barriers for non-drivers include cracked sidewalks, bus stops without bathrooms, and neighborhoods that don’t have reliable mass transit. Zivarts said she hopes this week will spur conversations about how to make transit not only more accessible, but also more enjoyable. She also hopes the program can promote additions that make public transit more inviting, such as coffee shops and better lighting at transit hubs.

This year the challenge has gone national with 123 other nonprofit organizations in 25 states participating.

Former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, now Executive Director at America Walks, helped spread #WeekWithoutDriving to other places beyond Seattle, Zivarts said.

“It's been so amazing to see these stories coming out from other communities where other people like us are organizing around this week,” she said.

Zivarts encouraged people to get creative with how they get around during the week.

“I was involved with a bike bus in my school last year,” she said, “and there was one kid who always came with a solo wheel and I thought that was incredible. He had some skills, so, yes, all modes are welcome.”

NOTE: This reporter will be taking part in the challenge by attempting a different mode of transportation each weekday. That will hopefully include scootering, biking, busing, and water taxiing. Stay tuned and ride safe.