The initiative will take place from September 29 to October 5, 2025, and is part of a growing national movement supported by AmericaWalks.
The program is coordinated through Schuylkill Connects’ Schuylkill on the Move initiative, which promotes walking, biking, wheelchair use, and public transit as alternatives to driving. According to organizers, nearly a third of Americans cannot drive due to age, disability, or financial reasons, yet transportation systems are often designed around automobiles.
“Living, working, and learning in a rural county comes with its transportation obstacles,” said Mandy Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Schuylkill Connects. “While we cannot solve them all, we can do our best to educate our communities on the resources available to them and involve them in efforts to improve the walk, bike, and bus infrastructure in Schuylkill County.”
From September 29 to October 3, Schuylkill Connects will host a free “Week Without Driving Scavenger Hunt.” Using a mobile app, participants will be tasked with completing activities such as riding Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) buses or vans, walking or biking, sharing rides, and accessing local resources.
Prizes will be awarded, ranging from a Guardian bicycle to gift cards from local businesses. In addition, Schuylkill Connects will send surveys to all 67 municipalities in the county to gather details about active transportation infrastructure, including bus routes, bike racks, parks, playgrounds, and trails.
Organizers noted that they have been working closely with STS staff to encourage participants to use public transportation during the week and to learn more about available services.
Residents, community leaders, employers, and organizations are encouraged to take part. More information is available at www.schuylkillconnects.com/events/week-without-driving, and sign-ups can also be completed at weekwithoutdriving.org/join.
Participants are invited to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving.
Schuylkill Connects is one of several organizations nationwide selected to receive a mini-grant from AmericaWalks to support this year’s event.
The program is coordinated through Schuylkill Connects’ Schuylkill on the Move initiative, which promotes walking, biking, wheelchair use, and public transit as alternatives to driving. According to organizers, nearly a third of Americans cannot drive due to age, disability, or financial reasons, yet transportation systems are often designed around automobiles.
“Living, working, and learning in a rural county comes with its transportation obstacles,” said Mandy Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Schuylkill Connects. “While we cannot solve them all, we can do our best to educate our communities on the resources available to them and involve them in efforts to improve the walk, bike, and bus infrastructure in Schuylkill County.”
From September 29 to October 3, Schuylkill Connects will host a free “Week Without Driving Scavenger Hunt.” Using a mobile app, participants will be tasked with completing activities such as riding Schuylkill Transportation System (STS) buses or vans, walking or biking, sharing rides, and accessing local resources.
Prizes will be awarded, ranging from a Guardian bicycle to gift cards from local businesses. In addition, Schuylkill Connects will send surveys to all 67 municipalities in the county to gather details about active transportation infrastructure, including bus routes, bike racks, parks, playgrounds, and trails.
Organizers noted that they have been working closely with STS staff to encourage participants to use public transportation during the week and to learn more about available services.
Residents, community leaders, employers, and organizations are encouraged to take part. More information is available at www.schuylkillconnects.com/events/week-without-driving, and sign-ups can also be completed at weekwithoutdriving.org/join.
Participants are invited to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #WeekWithoutDriving.
Schuylkill Connects is one of several organizations nationwide selected to receive a mini-grant from AmericaWalks to support this year’s event.