Transportation Trifecta: #WeekWithoutDriving, Transit to Trails, Car-Free MSP Day

When we think about getting where we need or want to go, most of us just get in a car and drive. This leads to a transportation trifecta:

1. The #1 source of climate change pollution in Minnesota and the nation.
2. Traffic congestion and skyrocketing pedestrian deaths, and
3. Main barrier for many people unable to access parks and trails

But why not stretch your legs and walk/bike/transit? Sierra Club North Star Chapter members set out to do this in September. They rode the METRO A Line bus rapid transit (BRT) to experience #Transit to Trails, as part of #WeekWithoutDriving and to celebrate Car-Free MSP Day! Another trifecta (a good one)!

Let’s break it down:

1. Transit to Trails is a national initiative to increase accessibility to parks, trails and open spaces. Volunteer leader Deb Alper pioneered our North Star Chapter’s Transit to Green Space initiative nearly two decades ago. Going green to enjoy the outdoors makes sense.
    

   

    

2. #WeekWithoutDriving is a national challenge launched in 2021 by Anna Zivarts. She is a low-vision mom, a nondriver, and mobility justice advocate who was born with the neurological condition nystagmus. I had the chance to chat with Anna about her book, “When Driving is Not an Option.” We invited dozens of local MN elected officials to participate in the challenge and many of them took us up on it, including Minneapolis and Saint Paul city council members, parks and county commissioners, and even a Week Without Driving Day declaration from the Duluth City Mayor.
    
3. Car-Free MSP Day celebrated just what it says - going car-free, with resources like these.

If you would like to help tackle the transportation trifecta with fun solutions and advocacy, get in touch! Contact me via email, and see you on the bus, train, bike, or sidewalk.

Joshua Houdek is Sierra Club’s Land Use and Transportation Senior Program Manager.