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WHEREAS, Week Without Driving is a nationwide movement started by Disability Rights Washington in 2021 to challenge leaders to better understand barriers nondrivers face in accessing their communities across the United States; and,
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WHEREAS, this year, the first local Week Without Driving PGH initiative is being co-hosted by Pittsburghers for Public Transit, Access Mob Pittsburgh, BikePGH, and AARP Pittsburgh, with at least 22 organizational co-sponsors; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh is committed to providing safe, accessible streets and transportation systems for all residents; and,
WHEREAS, in 2023, approximately 15 percent of Pittsburgh residents used public transportation to commute, and the majority of residents are still dependent on cars for their daily commute; and,
WHEREAS, as the cost of owning a car continues to rise, many people cannot afford the cost of a car, and nearly a third of the people residing in the United States do not have a driver’s license, either because of their age or a condition that does not allow them to drive; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to increasing barriers to transportation for individuals, reliance on cars contributes to transportation being the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and results in the creation of tire dust that can be detrimental to watersheds; and,
WHEREAS, reliance on cars has also resulted in the increase of freeway expansions, which have been detrimental to neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, particularly those that are historically home to communities of color; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh has recognized mobility access as necessary for a healthy and safe community, promoting access to education and employment opportunities, medical services, shopping, recreation, and the ability to reach friends and family; and,
WHEREAS, the Week Without Driving initiative aims to draw attention to the difficulties faced every day by nondrivers in our community and to inspire decisionmakers to address these barriers and the gaps in our transportation system; and,
WHEREAS, in supporting the Week Without Driving initiative, the City of Pittsburgh furthers its dedication to the Vision Zero strategy and goal of reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries to zero.
NOW THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, the Council of the City of Pittsburgh hereby recognizes the week of Monday, September 30, 2024, through Sunday, October 6, 2024, as the “Week Without Driving” in the City of Pittsburgh.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that residents are encouraged to use public transit, walk, ride a bike, or use ridesharing options to include carpooling in their everyday transportation needs.