The Week Without Driving (as much) is a national initiative that citizens in Lexington are organizing around to inform the Lexington community about the importance of recognizing barriers in our transportation systems, in particular for members of our community who can not drive a car. The University’s partnership with this effort places emphasis on thinking about how you would go about a week in your life if you did not have access to a car. A great way to do this is to think about people who you know who can’t drive (children, older relatives, etc.). How do they get around? What barriers or additional challenges do they have to overcome? This week is also an opportunity examine your life and your habits, and ask yourself questions about what those routines and experiences would be like if you navigated them without driving.
While our city has come a long way through infrastructure improvements and the adoption of the Complete Streets policy, much of Lexington remains inaccessible to those who need or would like to go about their daily lives without relying on a car. Making it convenient and comfortable to take the bus, walk, bike, or roll would benefit every Lexington resident, driver and non-driver alike. Improved access to other modes of transportation would reduce greenhouse emissions and air pollution, reduce traffic and congestion, improve physical and mental health, and make safer streets for everyone, all while creating more pleasant and inviting places to live, play, and work.
Week Without Driving is an invitation to participate in a community-wide conversation about our transportation system, and to gain ground-level insight into what’s working and what needs to change. If, during the week, you have to get into your car to complete a task, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what someone without access to a car would do in that situation, and what welcoming and convenient alternatives could take the place of your car trip. The more experience we all have navigating Lexington in a variety of different ways, the better able we all are to imagine a resilient city with transportation choices that accommodate all people.
Learn more about this effort and sign up to participate at linktr.ee/WeekWithoutDrivingLex, or follow along on Instagram @WeekWithoutDrivngLex.