Strive not to drive

When AARP volunteer Anita Harrison does a walk audit in a community, she keeps a sharp eye out for crosswalks and traffic signals, or the lack of them.

She observes and documents everything from sidewalks and bike lanes to exposed tree roots and obstructive utility poles on paths––all elements that contribute to an area’s safety and walkability.

"Walk audits" - visual surveys of the walkability of streets and neighborhoods, give citizens a chance to help city governments pinpoint places that are unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists, paving the way for safer, more accessible communities.


Volunteers like Harrison will be leading walk audits during "Strive Not to Drive Week," which runs from May 16–24 in western North Carolina. Cyclists can also get involved by participating in a bike audit with an expert. You’ll not only spot problem areas in a sample locality but also learn how to improve biking conditions in your own community.

Curious about public transit but unsure where to start? Don’t miss the transit training sessions that are part of Strive Not to Drive Week. Experienced transit guides will show you how to plan a route, read schedules, and pay fares—giving you the confidence to navigate the system with ease.

Walk and bike audits and transit training are just a few of the ways to celebrate Strive Not to Drive Week. It’s the perfect time to explore alternative ways to get around. Leave your car in park and try walking, biking, taking a scooter, or hopping on a bus. Discover how easy — and rewarding—it can be to reduce your reliance on driving!

Click here to learn more about Strive Not to Drive in Buncombe, Henderson, and Haywood Counties.