Reconnect Rochester is inviting Monroe County residents to leave their cars at home for some or all of their trips during Week Without Driving, which runs Oct. 1-8.
The Week Without Driving was first launched by Disability Rights Washington in 2021 to highlight the challenges individuals that don’t have car access face. By 2023, individuals across the country began to participate in the week-long challenge.
“Whether you’re completely car free, someone who is ‘car lite,’ or just interested in learning how to reduce your driving, this event is for you,” says Chaz Goodman, marketing manager at Reconnect Rochester in a statement. "We want to show people what’s possible in Monroe County without a car."
In 2025, Reconnect Rochester recorded 44 participants
completing nearly 2,000 non-driving miles. According to Goodman, some participants were surprised by the ease of their commute, while others encountered new challenges. "Both experiences are valuable. They help us understand what is working, what isn’t, and what our neighbors who don’t own a car may experience every day," Goodman said in a statement.
Reconnect Rochester invites residents to track their non-driving miles throughout the week to show the collective impact of reducing vehicle use. Participants will receive daily emails with guidance and mini challenges to win prizes.
Each day will include a theme to highlight different mobility options, including walking, biking, bus, and e-scooters. Participants are encouraged to choose the method that works best for their travel and schedule.
New this year, participants can expect to see events for experts and beginners to walk, bike, and take public transit together.
Why reduce car use?
According to Reconnect Rochester, reducing reliance on driving can have a range of impacts, including:
- Lower transportation costs for households
- Reduced traffic congestion
- Less demand for roadway and parking infrastructure
- Supports safer streets and more efficient use of community space
To learn more, visit reconnectrochester.org/week-without-driving/
— Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Could you go a week without driving in Rochester?
