Imagine your life without driving. Could you navigate your daily routines, reach your workplace, doctor’s office, or connect with loved ones?
This year, Schuylkill Connects’ Schuylkill on the Move, a program to increase physical activity through walking, biking, wheelchair, and public transit will be hosting Week Without Driving, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5.
As part of a growing national initiative that has garnered attention across the country, we invite leaders and residents of Schuylkill County to explore a new perspective on mobility.
Whether due to age, ability, or financial circumstances, nearly a third of Americans cannot drive but rely on a transportation system designed for driving.
In our own county, there is a percentage of people who don’t drive. The Week Without Driving is a chance to see the world differently. Participants are encouraged to complete their daily routines without driving, using alternative forms of transportation instead.
“Living, working and learning in a rural county comes with its transportation obstacles. While we cannot solve them all them, we can do our best to educate our communities on the resources available to them and involve them in efforts to improve the walk, bike, and bus infrastructure in Schuylkill County. Week Without Driving highlights how nondrivers get about our county and opportunities to improve active transportation for them and those looking to park the car,” Mandy Fitzpatrick, executive director at Schuylkill Connects, says.
How is Schuylkill Connects observing this week?
From Sept. 29-Oct. 3, Schuylkill County leaders, employees, employers, and adult residents are invited to participate in a free Week Without Driving Scavenger Hunt!
Participants will use an app to complete missions that include using Schuylkill Transportation System vans/buses (or alternatives if a bus route is not in their community), walking or biking, share rides, and visiting online resources. They will have the opportunity for chances to win prizes ranging from a Guardian Bike to gift cards for businesses in our communities.
Additionally, Connects will be distributing a survey to all 67 municipalities to gather information about current active transportation infrastructure, including but limited to current bus routes, bike racks, parks, playgrounds, and trails in their communities.
“Connects has been meeting with STS staff to engage the public transportation in the week and Scavenger Hunt event. We look forward to encouraging participants to utilize their services and/or learn more about what is available to them, their families, neighbors, and coworkers,” Fitzpatrick says.
To learn more visit schuylkillconnects.com/events/week-without-driving.
Will this week spark new ideas, inspire change, or offer a fresh look at the future of mobility?
Visit weekwithoutdriving.org/join to sign up and explore opportunities to share your story. Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving.
We can’t wait to hear about your journey! Schuylkill Connects is a proud recipient of a national Week Without Driving mini grant from AmericaWalks!
Information from a press release/Images: Canva/Schuylkill Connects
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