A Week Without Driving Starts Now

We hear from Rebecca Downing of the Regional Transportation Commission of Santa Cruz County and Metro Santa Cruz about an initiative to get people out of their cars.

What would change in your life if driving was not an option?

Week Without Driving (WWD) is a community challenge that invites people across Santa Cruz County to step out of their cars and experience how they would get around if driving were not available to them. From October 1 through October 8, 2026, we encourage you to walk, roll, bike, ride transit, carpool, or ask for rides whenever possible and reflect on what works, what does not, and what barriers exist for people who rely on these options every day.

This campaign is about building understanding, empathy, and momentum for a more accessible transportation for everyone.

Join the movement: Visit the Official Santa Cruz County Week Without Driving Page

Be sure to join Santa Cruz METRO’s Capitola Mall Community Celebration Event event on October 2nd, from 4-7 PM, as part of the week’s local activities.

For one full week, make an effort to try alternative transportation methods. You can:

✔ Walk or bike to work or the store.

✔ Take public transit or carpool.

✔ Try e-scooters, BCycle bikes, or ride-shares.

✔ Batch errands to save trips.

How to Join: