What if, just for one week, you experienced your daily life without relying on a car? How might it change your perspective on the way our community moves?

Sign up for the challenge by going to weekwithoutdriving.org

The Week Without Driving is an educational opportunity for decision makers and individuals to experience and empathize with experience of millions of people who do not drive due to age, income, disability or other barriers. You can drive or ride in a car during the week, the point is to try other options and to recognize where there are barriers for people who cannot drive.

This year, a coalition of local groups will be hosting this National event right here in Bellingham and we are inviting you to join us! Your participation can bring fresh perspectives and valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within our transportation ecosystem. Your voice matters in this conversation, especially if you regularly don’t drive. We are providing opportunities to share your story, and to reimagine what transportation options could look like in our community. See below for more event details.

Free Local events are coordinated by Walk & Roll Bellingham, Smart Trips, WTA and a coalition of local groups. More events will be added so keep checking back:

Transit Trivia - All week! Get the questions here and hop on the bus for answers! Submit your answer form by 5pm on Saturday, October 4th. If you wish to submit a printed hard copy, bring it to the HUB Community Bike Shop (1320 Commercial St) by 6:45pm on Saturday, October 4th for the Week Without Driving Celebration wrap-up and happy hour. Three transit trackers ($140 value) will be given away to the highest scorers. If there are ties, a drawing will be held. Must be present to win. Good luck!

Keynote Speaker Greg Spotts – Sept 29th, 7pm at the Upfront Theater (203 Prospect St; entrance on Central Ave.)

We are thrilled to welcome Greg Spotts, West Coast Client Support Leader for Arcadis Mobility and former Director of Seattle’s Department of Transportation, for a special event exploring how cities can build world-class multimodal infrastructure that supports walking, biking, transit, and more. Drawing from his leadership in transforming both Los Angeles and Seattle’s streetscapes and advancing climate-friendly mobility solutions, Spotts will share insights, case studies, and bold ideas for how mid-sized cities like Bellingham can lead the way in creating streets that work for everyone.

This event is perfect for planners, advocates, elected officials, and anyone who cares about safe, sustainable transportation. Join us as we imagine what’s possible for Bellingham’s future—and learn from one of the nation’s most forward-thinking transportation leaders. The event will include time for Q&A and conversation, so bring your curiosity and your vision for better streets.

Register here

Sudden Valley Rolling Bus Workshop

On October 1, at one of several convenient stops along Lake Louise or Lake Whatcom Blvd., you can experience boarding and riding in WTA style along with your neighbors, WTA’s Travel Trainer Andrew Herndon, and SV resident Gregg Ramseth.

The Sudden Valley bus is the 512, and it runs once an hour. Choose from the following bus stops to catch this easy-going, low-stress, rolling workshop:

• Gate 13 @ Western Ln: 9:57 AM
• Gate 9 @ Polo Park Dr.  9:58 – Lookout Mountain parking
• Gate 5 @ Tumbling Water Dr.: 10:01
• Gate 2 @ Marigold Dr: 10:03 – Welcome Center parking
• Gate 1 / 3 @ Windward Dr: 10:04 – Park & Ride

During our ride into town, we’ll show you how to use two optional phone apps that can be helpful planning trips as well as purchasing an “all you can ride” day pass—just $3!. If curious about these apps, search Whatcom Transportation and Umo in the app store.

By 10:30 the 512 will pull into the downtown Bellingham Station. We’ll get a quick how-to on using the bus bike rack—yes, you can combo a bus ride with a bike ride—as well as a rundown on how to catch a connector bus. Restrooms are available in WTA’s main building.

Your options at this point are entirely up to you. You can simply ride back on the 512 bus with Andrew, which leaves at 10:40 and would have you back to SV well before noon. Or you can stroll to a coffee shop for an hour, catching the 512 back home at 11:40.

For those game for a bit more adventure, there’s the option to join Gregg on a connector (#1 Bus) to the Bellingham Ferry Terminal, passing stops at Boulevard Park and Downtown Fairhaven. You’ll experience how easy it is to get around town, whether it’s the marina or the mall.

Whichever option you choose, we’re simply hoping you’ll join your neighbors for this October 1 “Rolling The 512” workshop. No need to sign up. Simply jump on at a convenient bus stop with your one-way fare: $1 bill or four quarters. Andrew and Gregg will be onboard to greet you along with your friendly WTA driver.

Rides with Friends – Join Max Higbee Center friends and learn how to navigate to all the fun places in town on WTA’s bus system.

• Two Sessions Friday, Oct. 3^rd, 10AM – noon & 2-4PM
•  Meet at the Max Higbee Center, 1400 N State St Suite #101, then walk as a group to WTA's Bellingham Station and ride an out of service WTA bus with Max Higbee Center members as your guides.

Sign up here

Subdued Saunter - Join us for the first ever Bellingham Subdued Saunter on Saturday, October 4th! A self-paced nearly 20 mile walk exploring Bellingham with Walk & Roll and Holden Ringer, founder of the Seattle Super Saunter. You may join from the beginning, or along the way. There is also an opportunity to finish after ~12 miles, where we will be passing within five blocks from the starting point. Finishers can get food and beverages at Brandywine Kitchen starting at 5:30pm and sit in the Mezannine. At 6:30, the party will move across the street to the HUB Community Bike Shop (an accessible location) for other Week Without Driving festivities. To-go food is welcome there.

Register here

Wrap-up Happy Hour and Trivia Awards – We will celebrate the end of the week and the trivia winners on Oct 4th, 6:30pm at the HUB Community Bike Shop! Share stories of the week over food and drinks, turn in your trivia answers (if you didn't do it electronically), pick up Week Without Driving participant swag and high five everyone who found new ways to get around town without a car. The HUB Community Bike Shop is located at 1320 Commercial Street, Bellingham, WA 98225