I’ll admit it: I felt more than a twinge of anxiety when I was asked to participate in this year’s Week Without Driving. Even more so when I agreed to write about it. In 2023 I joined in — begrudgingly — and got through it with a few walks to work and mostly rides from my husband and coworkers.

In 2024 I didn’t even respond to the email (sorry, Colin!). At the time, I was Executive Director of the Arcata Chamber of Commerce, and my job — especially in the first week of the month — is very big on the schlepping of heavy things to many places, including the “Big Scissors” that are not public transportation-friendly, nor conducive to walking or biking. And here we are in 2025. (With a rainstorm, of course, to kick off Monday.)

This year, I’ve started a fantastic new role as Executive Director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance, which typically takes me — and my trusty Subaru — around the county. A lot of my work I can do from home, which, thanks to that storm, is exactly what I did on Monday and Tuesday. But I’ve decided to use the rest of this week to see our county through the eyes of a car-free tourist. A win for my work, and a win for the environment.

The only hitch? These reflections are due before I’ve had my actual adventures. So with the help of the Lost Coast Outpost Lowdown, the HTA website, and my Facebook events feed, I’m planning out my “can’t-miss” week in Humboldt.

Wednesday: My office is right off the Plaza, and by walking to work I can avoid the necessity of moving my car every 2 hours. After that I can walk across the Plaza to City Hall for the City Council meeting. Hopefully the meeting will be less exciting than the last one, so that instead of walking to a bar afterwards to decompress I can catch a ride home with a colleague who is not participating in this challenge and be home in time for Survivor.

Thursday: Yom Kippur. That gets me off the hook from commuting. I’ll be fasting and observing the holiday in my own way, which usually means sitting among the trees and reflecting on the past year. I can walk to the park, so that part is covered. On my way back I’ll stop at Los Bagels for the traditional break-the-fast bagels (and our West Coast version of lox), then swing by Murphy’s for ingredients for my “make-up-for-all-the-calories-you-missed-while-fasting” kugel. Add matzo ball soup, and I’ll be set for sundown.

Friday: I’m blissfully meeting-free. I’ll take the bus to Eureka to meet my boss at Familia in Old Town, just in time for the kickoff of the Redwood Coast Music Festival at noon. The event has grown so much over the years — expanding venues, days, and lineups to attract not just locals but visitors who shop, dine, and stay in our hotels. I’ll bus back to Arcata in time to support the Hounds of Humboldt Dog Party fundraiser. (No, I won’t bring our ancient, poorly behaved beagle, but I’ll cheer on Gloria Baker and her dream business. You should, too.)

Saturday: One of my favorite Arcata events — Pastels on the Plaza. I’ll walk over, watch artists transform the square, and grab some produce at the Farmers’ Market. Later I’ll bus back to Eureka for Arts Alive, catch more Redwood Coast Music Festival sets, and end the night at Kaptain’s Quarters for Radio Clash. I’ll catch a ride home from friends, because even though I have been told to the contrary, I don’t trust that there is a robust Uber network here in Humboldt.

Sunday: Porchfest is happening over in Sunny Brae, so I’ll hop on my bike with my kid, who is also becoming a lover of live music, and head over there to walk the neighborhood, meet us with friends and listen to some bands.

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Of course, I recognize this week is an anomaly. Most of the time I’m traveling across Humboldt — from Benbow to Ferndale to Eureka — and often lugging tables, equipment and brochures. Going fully car-free simply isn’t feasible. And having lived in Orleans for a decade, I know firsthand how challenging transportation is in rural communities. I’m fortunate to treat this as an experiment, not a daily necessity.

That said, I appreciate Arcata’s walkability and the privilege of being able to live in a place where so much is within reach. Our bus system has improved tremendously, though it still struggles with late-night service and Sunday gaps. Hopefully those will change soon. And our trail network — linking cities and communities — is a true gem. I’m grateful to the people who made it happen, and I love seeing it in use.

So, thank you, Colin and CRTP, for nudging me this year. I think I’ll do better than in 2023 — and definitely better than 2024.

Meredith Matthews is a member of the Arcata City Council and executive director of the Humboldt Lodging Alliance.