EveryoneCanRide: Students with Disabilities Testify in Lansing

On the morning of September 11th, four young students with disabilities from Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) arrived in Lansing to testify for safer roadways. Conor Waterman, age 12, Katie Birchmeier, 12, James Kleimola, 22, and Abby Wegner, 25, shared stories describing the importance of safe roadways for their lives.

James Kleimola, 22, faces the challenge of cerebral palsy and a cognitive impairment. “I have CP and a cognitive impairment. I won’t get a driver’s license and I use my bike to get around.” Like James, who lives independently at Eastern Michigan University, many individuals with disabilities are vulnerable users for much of their traveling time, and face the risk of an encounter with a motor vehicle.

House Bills 4792 and 4799, also known as the “Vulnerable User” bills, would increase penalties for motorists who injure or kill vulnerable users--defined as pedestrians, individuals using mobility devices, and cyclists.

John Lindenmayer of the League of Michigan Bicyclists testified at the hearing on the danger of roadways currently for vulnerable users. “Crashes involving vulnerable users make up 17% of crash fatalities, while only 1.7% of all roadway crashes.”

As an organization, PEAC believes in empowerment through cycling and independent transportation. Through the Active Transportation Initiative, PEAC works with students in Wayne, Macomb and Oakland Counties to safely navigate both roadways and the bus system.

John Waterman, Executive Director, explains why PEAC is so passionate about this bill: “Walking and cycling are the key to true independent travel for individuals with disabilities. The development of complete streets has encouraged this mode of traveling and made cycling more accessible. The missing link right now is enforcement and recognition of the responsibilities of motor vehicles for the safety of all travelers. Passing the vulnerable user bill will actually create a more accessible community for all citizens.”

PEAC’s young advocates, along with many others from the disability, cycling and pedestrian communities will continue to push for the passing of this legislation, as the bill moves into the House of Representatives.