Strive Not to Drive envisions a Western North Carolina where communities have less traffic congestion, better air quality and safer streets for all.
This year’s annual celebration is taking place May 15-22. The purpose is to encourage people to use sustainable transportation for one week. That includes making virtual engagements, walking, biking, riding public transit or even carpooling.
Residents and visitors can take part in over 20 events across five counties for a chance to win prizes, including a one-month household membership at the YMCA of WNC, one of five Go Local Asheville cards for local business discounts, swag from the Asheville Tourists, a $25 gift certificate to Woodfin Coffee Dept, Hendersonville Downtown Dollars and other items. Residents can also become eligible for prizes by signing this year’s pledge to strive not to drive during the week.
This year, events will take place across Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. Communities involved this year that didn’t take part last year include Brevard, Mars Hill, Marshall and Clyde.
The schedule includes free transit days across four of the five counties, social bike rides and bike-to-work breakfasts, free bike valet at three different community events and opportunities to learn new bike-related skills. The events also include opportunities to learn more about local transit services through engagement at breweries, farmers markets and trivia nights. The week wouldn’t be complete without social walks and walk audit trainings, which teach participants how to identify infrastructure needs to inspire pedestrian-friendly streets.
Everyone is welcome to take part, whether they’re a seasoned bus rider, an experienced cyclist or trying out a new mode of transportation for the first time. Each person who chooses not to drive reduces the burden on our transportation system and lessens traffic congestion for those who still need to drive.
Strive Not to Drive is coordinated by Go Mountain Commuting, and events are hosted by a variety of regional partners. This year’s partners include AARP, Asheville Bike Polo, Asheville on Bikes, Apple Country Public Transit, Bike Walk HVL, Brevard Bike Alliance, the City of Asheville, City of Hendersonville, Haywood Public Transit, Henderson County Government, Madison County Transportation Authority, Mountain True, On Your Bike, Pigeon River Bikes, Town of Clyde, Transylvania in Motion and Waynesville Development Services.
Visit strivebeyond.org/strive for a full list of events and giveaways, and make a pledge to strive not to drive in 2026.