A Week Without Driving

September 16, 2025 - ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA - The City of Rochester and Destination Medical Center (DMC) invite you to take part in Week Without Driving, a national initiative happening Monday, September 29 to Sunday, October 5.

The goal of Week Without Driving is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by non-drivers, including individuals with disabilities, seniors and those without access to a vehicle. Week Without Driving gives everyone the chance to experience these challenges firsthand while exploring the many other ways to move around our City. Choosing to walk, bike or take transit not only offers a new perspective, while also supporting the City's greenhouse gas reduction goals and mode shift efforts.

Throughout the week, leave the car behind and take part in activities that make getting around without driving easier and more enjoyable. The City encourages everyone to explore different transportation options by participating in the following City-sponsored events:

• Week Without Driving Mayoral Proclamation - Monday, September 29 at 8:30 a.m. Rochester Mayor Kim Norton will read the Week Without Driving Proclamation in the Government Center Council Chambers Rotunda (201 4th Avenue SE)
  
  
• Transit Training Day - Tuesday, September 30 from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
  The Rochester Public Transit (RPT) team will be on hand to share all the tools, tips and insider info you need to confidently navigate the city without a car. Whether you're new to public transit or just need a quick refresher. This event is happening at Kellogg Middle School (503 17th Street NE).
  
  
• Link Construction Tours - Wednesday, October 1 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  Dig into the current construction site on Second St. SW and learn about the Link Bus Rapid Transit project. The tour will cover the location of the future pedestrian tunnel, how the team is navigating business access and provide an opportunity to learn more about this upcoming exciting project. The tour will meet at the intersection of 1st Street SW and 11th Avenue SW.
  
  
• Lime Scooter Discount Day - Wednesday, October 1
  First-time riders can use the code ROCHESTERWWOD25 and try Lime scooters at a discounted rate.
  
  
• Rochester Public Transit Fare Free Day - Thursday, October 2 Ever thought about taking the bus? Now's the perfect time! On Thursday, October 2, all rides on Rochester Public Transit (RPT) are completely free. No fare, no hassle, just hop on and go!
  
  
• Bike to Work Day - Friday, October 3 from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Whether you bike daily or are giving it a try, you're invited to join the ride! Visit the Bike to Work Day webpage to learn more about the event, prepare for your ride and locate stops along your commute.

Additional Week Without Driving events are being put on by the following community partner organizations: BikeMN, Family Service Rochester, Pato de Pero, Region 10, Rochester Public Schools (RPS), Sierra Club and We Bike Rochester (WBR). Visit https://dmc.mn/week-without-driving/ to learn more about all of the planned events.