Fiscal Note
No City appropriation required.
Title
Recognizing October 1 - 8, 2026 as Week Without Driving
Body
WHEREAS, Week Without Driving is a national challenge to increase awareness and understanding of non-drivers and the barriers they face in our communities, which the City of Madison has joined other Dane County communities, organizations, local champions, and policymaking bodies in recognizing annually since 2024; and,
WHEREAS, access to mobility is fundamental to thriving health, safety, economic opportunity, and community connection, enabling residents of Madison to reach essential needs including education, employment, medical care, food, recreation, faith communities, and social networks; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 30 percent of Wisconsinites and 30-40 percent of Dane County residents of all ages are non-drivers, including aging adults, youth, students, low-income individuals, people with physical, mental or intellectual/developmental disabilities, and those who choose not to drive; and,
WHEREAS, transportation is the second-largest household expense for most families and the American Automobile Association estimates that the average cost of owning and operating a vehicle exceeds $12,000 per year, placing a particular financial strain on low- and moderate-income households; and,
WHEREAS, transportation costs are directly tied to housing and land use decisions, and communities that lack affordable housing near jobs, schools, healthcare, and essential services often require residents to travel farther and rely more heavily on costly car ownership; and,
WHEREAS, nearly one-third of people in the United States do not have a driver’s license due to age, disability, income, immigration status, health conditions, or other barriers, and many others face temporary or permanent circumstances that prevent them from driving; and,
WHEREAS, an estimated 20,653 households in Dane County do not have access to a vehicle; and,
WHEREAS, not all neighborhoods in Madison have safe sidewalks, accessible curb ramps, protected bike infrastructure, reliable public transit, or land use patterns that allow daily needs to be met within a reasonable non-driving distance; and,
WHEREAS, transportation is a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and is responsible for an estimated 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and Dane County; and,
WHEREAS, communities designed with multiple transportation options support local businesses and economic development, reduce traffic injuries and fatalities, benefit public health, promote a cleaner environment, and create vibrant, connected neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, Madison has plans and policies that support a multimodal transportation system that works for all, yet we have more work to do to achieve this vision; and,
WHEREAS, experiencing a week without driving offers residents and leaders an opportunity to better understand the barriers faced by non-drivers in our community, and to identify practical ways we can improve our transportation system to better meet the needs of all residents and visitors;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Madison Common Council recognizes October 1-8, 2026 as Week Without Driving, and encourage residents, community organizations, businesses, and public officials to participate, reflect, and work toward a future where everyone-regardless of age, ability, or income-has safe, affordable, and sustainable transportation options.