Lexington, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Living Streets Lexington recently wrapped up its second annual Week Without Driving challenge, raising awareness about the struggles faced by non-drivers. Participants experienced the barriers to accessing essential services without a personal vehicle, aligning with the city’s Complete Streets policy. The challenge is part of a national effort and is supported by recommendations from local transportation task forces. Additionally, Living Streets Lexington is set to launch the Transit Advocacy Academy to empower community members and promote improved public transportation options.
Lexington – Living Streets Lexington, a newly formed organization advocating for vibrant public spaces and safe transportation options, recently concluded its second annual Week Without Driving challenge. This initiative aims to increase awareness of the challenges faced by individuals who do not have access to personal vehicles. During the event, participants experienced firsthand the barriers that non-drivers encounter, stimulating conversations about future transportation policies within the community.
The Week Without Driving challenge aligns with Lexington’s Complete Streets policy and follows recommendations from the Urban County Council’s STREEET Safety Task Force. This year’s initiative is part of a broader, national effort to spotlight the struggles of those who rely on alternative means of transportation, particularly in areas where car usage is the norm for accessing essential services like jobs, education, food, and medical appointments. According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics in 2021, the majority of car trips in the United States are typically under three miles, with over a quarter of these trips being less than one mile.
As Lexington moves forward with its transportation initiatives, Living Streets Lexington is also preparing to launch the inaugural Transit Advocacy Academy in collaboration with Lextran and Fayette Alliance. This program will consist of four Sunday afternoon sessions that will focus on various topics, including public transit systems, land use, transportation planning, and effective advocacy techniques. Community members interested in participating can submit their applications until Friday, October 10.
The Transit Advocacy Academy fosters deeper understanding and engagement with transit issues while empowering community members to advocate for improved transportation choices. Attendees are encouraged to explore resources such as the book Human Transit by Jarrett Walker, which offers insights into enhancing public transport livability. Living Streets Lexington aspires to create a community where individuals of all ages and abilities can easily access transportation for daily needs, making increased transportation options essential for fostering healthier, happier, and more sustainable cities.
Alice Hilton, one of the founding members of Living Streets Lexington, emphasizes that streets should be considered shared public spaces accessible to everyone. This perspective reflects the organization’s broader vision of inclusivity and accessibility within urban planning and transportation policies.
The Week Without Driving challenge not only promotes awareness of transportation issues but also provides valuable insights to local policymakers, setting the stage for more inclusive transportation strategies in the future. Living Streets Lexington aims to engage residents actively, replacing car trips with alternative methods of travel, thereby encouraging a collective rethinking of transportation practices within the city.
FAQ
What is Living Streets Lexington?
Living Streets Lexington is an organization focused on creating vibrant public spaces and advocating for safe transportation options in Lexington.
What was the purpose of the Week Without Driving challenge?
The challenge aimed to raise awareness about the struggles of individuals without access to cars, helping participants experience the barriers non-drivers face.
What recommendations does the challenge align with?
The challenge aligns with Lexington’s Complete Streets policy and STREEET Safety Task Force recommendations from the Urban County Council.
What is the Transit Advocacy Academy?
The Transit Advocacy Academy is a series of four sessions focusing on public transit systems, land use, and transportation planning aimed at empowering community members to advocate for improved transit options.
When does the application for the Transit Advocacy Academy close?
Applications for the Transit Advocacy Academy close on Friday, October 10.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Week Without Driving Challenge in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Transportation in the United States
- Kentucky.com: Local News on Transportation Issues
- Google Search: Public Transportation
- VisitLex: Horse Capital of the World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Transport
- Kentucky.com: Op-Ed on Local Issues
- Google News: Transportation Advocacy
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