Sept 23, 2024 (PROVIDENCE, RI) The second nationwide “Week Without Driving Challenge” will take place Sept. 30-Oct. 6, 2024. The #WeekWithoutDriving is a challenge for elected leaders, advocates, and individuals to step into the shoes of those who cannot or choose not to drive. Participants are encouraged to engage in all their daily activities without driving themselves, employing any other form of transportation. This endeavor aims to broaden understanding and empathy towards the everyday barriers faced by nondrivers, be it due to disability, age, economic circumstances, or personal choice.
With its compact density, growing network of urban trails, and statewide bus network, the Providence Metro region is uniquely suited for individuals to use this Week to try swapping car trips with those on foot, bike, or public transportation. “Many people in our community do not have the privilege or means to use car travel for their mobility,” said Dylan Giles, Providence Streets Coalition’s Operations Manager. “By swapping car trips with alternate modes, participants in #WeekWithoutDriving can make travel choices that are more climate-friendly, explore travel modes and routes they may not have experienced before, and connect with their neighbors and colleagues who are also trying it out!”
Participation in the #WeekWithoutDriving is completely free to participate in and open to all. Elected leaders and public officials are asked to register if they intend to participate. Officials in the transportation space and urban planning specifically are encouraged to sign up.
For individuals, it is primarily a social media based “event” with participants reflecting on the benefits and challenges of non-car travel using the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving and tagging Providence Streets Coalition on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, (@providencestreets) and Twitter/X (@pvdstreets). Individuals can win prizes from rainwear maker Cleverhood, an internationally recognized brand founded and headquartered in Providence.
An in-person meetup and networking event co hosted by Sen. Tiara Mack (Dist. 6, Providence) will be held on Oct. 3, 2024, 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Black Sheep in Downtown Providence (397 Westminster St.), immediately adjacent to the R Line and the city’s Urban Trail Network.
###
About Providence Streets Coalition
The Providence Streets Coalition (PSC) is an alliance of 42 community organizations, local businesses, schools, neighborhood associations, and thousands of engaged individuals advocating for people-friendly streets in Providence. We support providing safer streets, more transportation choices, and policies that advance mobility justice to improve safety, equity, sustainability, prosperity, public health, and quality-of-life in our city and region.
PSC is building the relationships and advocacy tools that are necessary to change physical infrastructure, budgets, legislation, and mobility systems within Rhode Island’s transportation sector. Better street design and transportation budgets, informed by our community’s lived experience, can solve barriers to access, opportunity, and safety. More mobility choices and people-centered roads will result in less traffic congestion and air pollution, more housing and employment opportunities, fewer crashes, and a more healthy and just city.
About the Week Without Driving
The Week Without Driving was originally created in 2021 by the Disability Mobility Initiative in Washington State. After two successful years of hosting the challenge (Including an official proclamation from Governor Jay Inslee), #WeekWithoutDriving went national in 2023, in partnership with America Walks. Organizations and individuals can find more information at https://weekwithoutdriving.org/
Interested businesses, schools, and community organizations are encouraged to use the sample letter attached to get the word out to their members and to reach out for more information at info@ourstreetspvd.org.
###