Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Oregon

Oregon DOT Asked State Residents to Drive Less, and They Did

In a small but symbolically important step for a state transportation agency, the Oregon DOT held a "Drive Less Challenge" from late October through November 1. Events like this one are held regularly in cities around the country, but it's the first time a statewide department of transportation has hosted one, according to ODOT.

Oregon challenged its residents to drive less and they came through. Image: ##http://www.drivelessconnect.com/home## Drive Less Connect##
Oregon challenged its residents to drive less -- and they came through. Image: ##http://www.drivelessconnect.com/home## Drive Less Connect##
Oregon challenged its residents to drive less and they came through. Image: ##http://www.drivelessconnect.com/home## Drive Less Connect##

The people of Oregon did not disappoint. Motorists reported driving 913,664 fewer miles during the 12-day challenge. That total far exceeded the DOT's goal of half a million miles. The program resulted in a reduction of about 659,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions and $225,000 worth of gas. Not too shabby!

The largest share of avoided car trips -- 22,000 -- were made by bike, followed by 13,000 carpooling trips, and 10,000 trips taken by bus.

Oregon plans to host the event annually.

“We think the broad involvement really shows how practical transportation options can be in saving families money, improving community health and preserving our high quality of life here in Oregon,” said ODOT Director Matt Garrett, in a statement.

This program fits within the state of Oregon's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by the year 2050, compared to 1990 levels.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Monday’s Headlines Are Dragging Their Feet

The Trump administration claims the Biden administration left them with a backlog — but they've actually been far slower at getting transportation money to states than their predecessors, a new analysis finds.

July 14, 2025

These U.S. Communities’ So-Called ‘Complete Streets’ Policies Don’t Even Deserve the Name

Any city can call itself a "Complete Streets" champion. But not all of them are walking the walk — and if they don't, a top organization says they'll no longer give them a platform on its esteemed "best of" ranking.

July 14, 2025

Communities Rally To Reclaim Streets From ICE Terror

"This is an attack on Los Angeles. This is an attack on California. On all of us."

July 11, 2025

Friday Video: The London Neighborhood Where Bikes Outnumber Cars

...and how they got to that impressive milestone.

July 11, 2025

Friday’s Headlines Battle Galactus

Like the Marvel supervillain, U.S. interstate highway system seems to eat up everything in his path. A new book explores how to stop it.

July 11, 2025

New Report Shows Pedestrian Fatalities Drop — But Experts Say Not Enough

The Governors Highway Safety Association report showed a 4 percent drop in the number of pedestrian deaths last year, putting a slow on a dangerous trend — but advocates say the drop isn't nearly big enough.

July 11, 2025
See all posts