On Sept 30 – Oct 6, Week Without Driving PGH advocated for change by building empathy & understanding for people who rely on walking, biking, rolling, and public transit
Although Week Without Driving has been a national movement for years, this year we were proud to be a co-host organizing Pittsburgh’s first-ever local movement. In partnership with Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, AARP Pittsburgh, and co-sponsoring organizations we worked together to share stories and shed light on the challenges faced by non-drivers in our community.
240 people signed up to support the Week Without Driving PGH’s inaugural year – including 50 community organizations and 10 elected officials!
For many residents—especially those with disabilities, younger people, older people, and those with no personal vehicle—walking, biking, rolling, and public transit are essential. This week was about understanding and advocating for more accessible and inclusive transportation options in our city.
We made news stories locally and spread awareness of our demand:
- Week Without Driving Comes to Pittsburgh, by Ed Blazina at the Pittsburgh Union Progress
- Inaugural Week Without Driving PGH highlights transit gaps and community resilience, by Colin Williams of the Pittsburgh City Paper
- Pittsburghers pledge to get out of the car for ‘Week Without Driving’, by Julia Fraser of WESA
- Mayor Ed Gainey participates In ‘Week Without Driving’, by the New Pittsburgh Courier
Here’s a recap of the highlights & events demonstrating the impact of Week Without Driving PGH:
- We kicked off the week with a Press Conference on September 30 at the Boys and Girls Club of Western PA, where we outlined our goals, heard from non-drivers, and encouraged community participation. Thank you to B&G club member Marteece Williams, AARP Volunteer Cheryl Lenhart, and PPT member Ms. Penny Harris, for speaking and sharing your stories with us, and thank you to Mayor Ed Gainey and County Executive Sara Inamorato for addressing the crowd in support of our campaign.
- Access Mob Lecture Series: On the evening of September 30, Access Mob hosted a thought-provoking lecture in East Liberty discussing the political engagement of people with disabilities. This dialogue helped raise awareness about the importance of inclusive representation.
- City Proclamation: On October 1, city officials declared it Week Without Driving, recognizing the significance of this initiative. It was an exciting moment for all of us who envision a more accessible Pittsburgh.
- On October 3rd, Mayor Gainey participated in Week Without Driving and took the bus to work:
- On October 4th, County Executive Innamorato participated in Week Without Driving and took the bus to work:
- Happy Hour Celebration: Our Happy Hour at East End Brewing on October 4 was a fantastic opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow participants, and celebrate our collective commitment to better transportation solutions.
- Film Screening and Discussion: On October 5, Complete Streets at Pitt screened The Street Project Documentary at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. This powerful film sparked conversations about the realities faced by non-drivers and inspired us all to think critically about our city’s infrastructure.
What’s Next?
Throughout the week, participants shared their stories and experiences. From discovering new bike routes to navigating public transit, your feedback highlighted both the challenges and the joys of exploring Pittsburgh without a car.
We are grateful for the strong community support, with 240 individuals taking the pledge to travel without driving for the week. Each story shared, every ride taken, and every step brought us closer to our goal of safer, more accessible transportation.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives as we work together to build a community that prioritizes people’s experiences, accessibility, equity, and safety when it comes to our transportation options.
The Week Without Driving is a nationwide movement to link the needs of disabled individuals and people of all ages with environmental movements and accessible community planning. Together, we will illustrate challenges and opportunities for non-drivers and call for change that improves mobility for all.Excerpt from the national campaign at weekwithoutdriving.org