Week Without Driving
The Week Without Driving challenge is a nationwide initiative that invites elected officials, transportation professionals, policymakers, and community members to step into the shoes of non-drivers. This includes older adults, youth, low-income individuals, students, and people with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities.
The goal of the challenge is to help everyone — especially those who influence and design our transportation system — gain a deeper understanding of ways we can improve mobility and access for all.
Why It Matters
An estimated 30-40% of Dane County residents are non-drivers. This challenge helps shed light on the daily barriers they face, including:
- Inadequate sidewalks and crossings
- Limited transit options
- Lack of safe lighting
- Lack of connectivity
- Dangerous roads
By participating in the Week Without Driving, you can gain a deeper understanding of these challenges and why it’s important to design transportation systems that support everyone — regardless of ability, age, or income.
This Year's Challenge
This year’s challenge is scheduled for September 29–October 5, 2025. The MPO is working with local partners to support the initiative and raise awareness about the experiences of non-drivers in our community.
We invite you to participate in the Week Without Driving challenge to gain valuable insights into the experiences of non-drivers, and to help us foster a broader conversation about transportation access and equity in the Greater Madison region.