Launching the Week without driving Challenge
The Week Without Driving Challenge launched in Australia last month. The Challenge spotlights the importance of safer, more accessible streets for all. The launch event featured a dynamic group of speakers and attendees, providing an opportunity to connect, share insights, and foster new ideas about active transport.
The Challenge is to travel for a week without driving so taking the bike, walking, scooter, bus or train, or to ask for lifts or arrange carpooling. It’s to raise awareness of what it’s like when you don’t drive - having to wait for when it’s convenient to others, not getting a lift to an event, missing the bus and having to walk, and losing your sense of dignity just because people think there’s something wrong with you because you can’t drive.
Three Speakers, Powerful Messages
The event was headlined by four speakers: Wendy Nash of Get Around Caboolture CarFree, Chris Carnall and Rachel Aberdein. Wendy shared the purpose behind the initiative, pointing to the need for easier walking and cycling in reshaping our communities to highlight that everyone can find themselves unable to drive. Chris Carnall reflected on her months unable to drive after hip replacement surgery, highlighting the struggles she faced with non-existent footpaths and speeding traffic. Rachel Aberdein, regularly walks on the Wamuran Rail Trail in Caboolture which is a path with lots of birds and frogs and she discussed how the natural environment inspired her musical compositions and how her balance issues underscore the need for very smooth paths. Katy More, a driver who guided Get Around Cabo CarFree on the Week Without Driving Challenge and launch, spoke about how participating in the Week Without Driving Challenge had opened her eyes to the issues that people who don’t drive face that she’d never contemplated before.
Diverse Attendees, Common Goals
The event welcomed a broad spectrum of attendees, all advocating for change. Alongside key figures such as Mark Ryan MP, the Queensland Police Minister, were Mike Blewitt of Bicycle Queensland, Fiona Coppin from Queensland Walks, Grant Craike from Caboolture Bus Lines, Nadia Williams of Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Cycling & Walking and Belinda Ward of Everybody eBikes. They were joined by Melissa Riordan of Queensland Education Youth Employment, Siti Constable from the Multicultural Association of Caboolture, Katy More, Lynda Galway from Zonta, Margaret Carr from National Seniors. and Phil Cronin, owner of Stellarossa Australia.
Connecting Through Conversation
The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with attendees taking the time to chat, exchange ideas and strengthen their collective vision for a safer, more walkable future.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of determination and optimism. The Week Without Driving Challenge invites the community to explore life beyond the car, fostering greater awareness and opening doors for real change. Together, these conversations are laying the groundwork for streets that are safer, more accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
Mark Ryan MP (Queensland) will spend Tuesday 1 October travelling without a car, and to the event he caught the bus and walked to the office afterwards (because he missed the bus back and the next one wasn’t coming any time soon). Let’s encourage more people to go without driving this month!
See here for more information https://getaroundcabocarfree.com.au/a-week-without-driving.
