The Week Without Driving, October 1-8, is a national event meant to focus attention on the transportation needs of the over 30% of those in our country who are involuntary non-drivers. The attention to this problem has been led in great part by disability advocate Anna Zivarts. Her book, When Driving is Not an Option, was inspired in part by her struggles to live a full life despite being unable to drive due to a vision disability. In Bend, the involuntary non-drivers in our community include those who are too young, disabled, unable to afford an automobile or who have aged out of driving. Recently, the rising cost of fuel has put into clear focus the high cost of driving and has reduced this option out of reach for low income members of our community.
I volunteer with the Council on Aging and deliver meals to seniors who are often stuck at home as non-drivers. The transit system offers some options, but these are currently very limited, infrequent and too costly for some community members. Most people are unable to drive the last seven years of life due to loss of abilities according to a recent survey by AARP. How is our growing population of seniors going to be able to enjoy the many benefits of Bend if they are unable to drive?
Children are also listed as involuntary non-drivers and you may ask why. When I talk about this group of non-drivers, I often hear that the “kids” should not count as their parents can drive them wherever they need to go. It is through independent travel on foot, or by bike, scooter, or bus that children learn navigation and problem solving and gain confidence in their autonomy. If we continue to improve the safety of our streets and these options are made available to children, they would be able to attend school independently, set up meetings with friends and plan adventures to parks and the library.
So this week, consider leaving the car at home in favor of biking, walking, or taking the bus, even for just a day. Think about how you would be able to live your life if suddenly driving was not an option and you had to rely on others for transportation to work, to social events, shopping and play?