Week Without Driving PGH uplifts the stories of nondrivers and invites us all to advocate for improved mobility options. Together, we can win better access for all!

“I ride my bicycle to go pretty much everywhere I need to go—grocery shopping, random errands, health appointments, friends’ houses, etc. I’d like people—especially government and corporate decision-makers—to participate in the Week Without Driving so they can experience both the ways in which living without a car can restrict a person’s professional and consumer options and, at the same time, deepen a person’s investment in the safety and prosperity of their local community. Such first-hand realizations might lead to decisions that would better promote a more equitable and resilient society.”

Claude LaVallée

Whether we live in a suburban town or city neighborhood, everyone in Allegheny County deserves safe, reliable, dignified access to the places we need to go. I’m inviting you – whether you are an individual, organization representative, or elected official- to take the pledge to experience life as a non-driver, and participate in the national Week without Driving from Monday, Sept 30th – Sunday Oct 6th 2024!

The Week without Driving is a national week of action in which we uplift the experience of non-drivers in our communities, and highlight some of the barriers and challenges that we face getting where we need to go without being able to drive or afford a car. As youth, people with disabilities, older adults, people who cannot afford cars or gas- we non-drivers represent nearly a third of the population.

The #WeekWithoutDriving challenge was launched in 2021 by Anna Zivarts at Disability Rights Washington and is now a national initiative, led by America Walks and the National Campaign for Transit Justice. I’m proud to join this movement to raise awareness for greater mobility needs in every community, and I’m a member of Access Mob, a Disability Justice organization which is one of the four co-hosts for Week Without Driving PGH.

My name is Claude LaVallée and I invite you to join me for the Week Without Driving PGH to advocate for improved mobility for all!

I ride my bicycle to go pretty much everywhere I need to go—grocery shopping, random errands, health appointments, friends’ houses, etc. Even when I need to carry larger or heavier things, I just use my bike trailer.

Pittsburgh’s growing bicycle infrastructure—dedicated lanes, multi-use trails, signage, racks on city buses, etc.—allows me to go almost anywhere in town. Despite that, and cycling very defensively, I can still sometimes feel unsafe, or be on the receiving end of the odd threat; not having the physical protection and cultural approval associated with a car can make one more vulnerable.

I’ve chosen riding over owning a car because cycling is inherently joyful and grounding, and because it simplifies my life. I run into people and chat, smell local cuisine as I ride by bakeries and restaurants, and generally enjoy the physicality of moving outside. Financially, I never have to worry about expensive repairs and, more importantly, I don’t have to work as much just to afford a car.

I’d like Pittsburgh’s network of cycling trails to extend and better connect with suburban (and even rural) hubs. It would make cycle commuting accessible for more people, and open up out-of-town amenities for city dwellers, like me, and vice-versa for people who live out-of-town.

I’d like people—especially government and corporate decision-makers—to experience both the ways in which living without a car can restrict a person’s professional and consumer options and, at the same time, deepen a person’s investment in the safety and prosperity of their local community. Such first-hand realizations might lead to decisions that would better promote a more equitable and resilient society.

• Claude LaVallée