Imagine a world where driving is not an option. How would that change the way you view transportation?

Join in fostering a healthy and inclusive community by taking part in National Week Without Driving, happening Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. This is a week-long challenge for drivers to learn about the barriers and challenges nondrivers face on a daily basis. Nearly a quarter of people in the United States, including those with disabilities, seniors, and low-income individuals, rely on walking, biking, public transit, or asking for rides. Their experiences highlight the importance of connected, accessible, reliable public transit, and safe transportation options for all.

To participate in the challenge, all you need to do is opt out of driving yourself for at least one day the week of Sept. 30 to Oct. 6. After that, you can aim for two days or even the whole week! You can bike, walk, take public transit, or ask for a ride.

Even if you cannot participate in the challenge, this is a great opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint. Check out one of the many sustainable transportation options available at Drake.

• DART: Utilize your DART benefit and ride the DART bus for FREE with your Drake ID. Check out routes and schedules here. Reach out to sustainability@drake.edu or gregory.lin@drake.edu if you want to sit down with someone and find a bus route that works for you.
• BCycle: Drake has partnered with the Street Collective to provide students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to purchase a $20 annual bike share membership. This means unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic or e-bike. Sign up on the app using a drake.edu email, select annual membership, and enter promo code: bulldogsbike24.
• Drake Bike Library: Drake employees and students can check out a bicycle for the day for free by bringing their Drake ID to the Student Life Center in Olmsted. You must sign a liability waiver and will be given a helmet to wear and a key to the bike lock.
• Walk: Embrace Healthiest State Month and grab your walking shoes! Walk the Bulldog Mile on October 2nd as a part of the Healthiest State Walk and take your chance at winning a prize.

— Hannah Remke, Sustainability Coordinator