Donate to Make a Difference in 2014

Happy Holidays from PEAC!

Thank you for your active participation in PEAC (Programs to Educate All Cyclists) this year! 2014 was a very successful year. We celebrated our 10th anniversary of empowering individuals with disabilities through cycling and have many things to celebrate thanks to your continued support!

Some of our 2014 accomplishments include:

• Reached over 630 students in our Summer Program, Active Transportation Initiative and Private Lessons 
• Launched Summer Program site in Lansing 
• Purchased building to serve as the future headquarters for PEAC operations
•  Embarked on 5th year of Active Transportation Programming in 3 different counties 

This year, over 200 students worked toward achieving a cycling goal, in our Summer Program, and we love to share Jarrell’s success with you! Jarell is 14 years old and this was his first year participating in the Summer Program. On assessment day, he struggled with pedaling forward on the two-wheel bike. However, Jarell is a very positive and determined student, always ready to push forward and to keep trying to reach his goal of riding a two-wheeled bike. His perseverance paid off by the second week of the program! For the remainder of the summer, Jarell concentrated on bike handling and control and can now ride his bike in the community. He rides with his sister, Ariel, and uses his bike to exercise, visit friends and travel within the community. Due to his new found freedom, Leona, Jarell’s mom, says “PEAC has helped make him one of the happiest kids around!”

With your support, we can continue to help students like Jarell achieve his dreams through cycling. Please consider making PEAC a recipient of your holiday giving with a tax deductible donation. Thank you again for your continued support of PEAC and happy holidays!

Below are just a few ways that your donation makes a difference to the students who participate in PEAC programs.

$10 = 2 tire tubes

$25 = 1 helmet

$40 = 1 hour of Summer Program for 1 student 

$100 = Celebration of Cycling registrations for 4 students

$150 = 1 windtrainer to help our students with pedaling

$200 = 1 hour of Summer Program for 6 students

$400 = New mountain bike

$530 = 1 student sponsor for the entire Summer Program

$1000 = New tandem bike

If you want to invest in and support PEAC to continue to overcome barriers and help students with disabilities achieve personal milestones through cycling; please make checks payable to PEAC and return to 32 N. Washington, Suite 1, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 or donate online .

Thankful for YOU!

Waterman's Window

A note from the head honcho.

We at PEAC have so much to be thankful for this year. First, we are grateful for theparticipants in our programs who work hard to overcome personal challenges, and their supportive families who share in our vision of empowering and challenging their children.  Our annual Celebration of Cycling Ride was an opportunity for our students to showcase this dedication and commitment. September 13th was cold and rainy, but it could not dampen the enthusiasm of our students or supporters.

Second, we are thankful for the continued support of SMART towards our Active Transportation Program. This fall marks the start of our fifth year of the program with sites at Roosevelt High School, the Jo Brighton Skills Center, Visions Unlimited, Sterling Heights High School and Warren Cousino High School. This program continues to enable students to increase independence and achieve greater access in their communities. Check out this video in case you missed it earlier this year!

Finally, PEAC is grateful to our committed staff members and volunteers.  This fall, 25 students from Roeper High School in Birmingham, MI and 8 students fromCircle K at the University of Michigan volunteered their time to clean up our building, prepare our bikes for storage, and painted a base color on all of our Celebration of Cycling signs.  Additionally, we have a dedicated team of talented local mechanics that meets each month to make sure our cycles are at their best.  

Thank you for all of your support!

Happy Thanksgiving,

John Waterman 

                                              Donate to Make A Difference

Happy Thanksgiving from PEAC's Development Desk! We are truly thankful for all of our families, staff, sponsors and community partners who keep our programs up and running. This Tuesday, December 2nd marks #GivingTuesday.  On this day, charities, nonprofits, businesses, community centers and families around the world will come together for one purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Tuesday also marks the kickoff off PEAC's annual giving campaign. This campaign will run through the end of the year and our goal is to raise $4,500. Visit bikeprogram.org/donate to make a contribution. We appreciate you!  

State Senator Morris Hood
Travels with ATP!

At the end of October, five students from our Active Transportation Program at Roosevelt High School shared their public transportation knowledge with State Senator Morris Hood on a SMART bus trip to Panera Bread. Over coffee and hot chocolate, the senator and our students engaged in a discussion about disabilities, personal goals, and the importance of the bus. Thank you to our students for sharing their story, and to Senator Hood for his enthusiasm and engagement!

             

               Council of Disability Concerns Recognizes PEAC's Joe Altizer
On October 24th, Joe Altizer, former Summer Program intern turned full-time PEAC staff member, received recognition from the University of Michigan Council of Disability Concerns. Those who receive recognition promote acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities and are advocates for the civil rights of those with disabilities. Alitizer’s nominator says, “He is an tireless advocate of people with disabilities and encourages independence by teaching that they too can ride a bike.”

Nathan Bower Act Signed into Law

Great Work, PEAC Student Advocates!

On October 14th, the Nathan Bower Act, which will add two hours of bicycle and motorcycle awareness and safety to Michigan driver’s education curriculum, was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder.The law is named after 19-year-old Nathan Bower who was tragically killed in a motorist-motorcyclist accident in 2009. James Kleimola, Conor Waterman, and Shawn Kohsman of PEAC joined the League of Michigan Bicylists and Nathan's family to testify in front of the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate in support of this law, and were part of the ceremonial signing with Governor Snyder. We are very proud of this team of advocates, and grateful for this law that will make Michigan roads safer for all users.

Michigan Hand Cycle Racing Series Season Wrap-up

By Jovan Gonczar

As the popularity of marathons grows, hand cycle racing also becomes an increasingly popular sport and opportunity for those with disabilities. The Michigan Hand Cycle Racing Series (MHRS) highlights a few key races in the state in order to bring a more competitive edge to racers and spectators and also to increase awareness of the sport.  “By selecting only five races for the season, we are hoping to draw added attention to a few specific races to increase participants and spectators”, says John Waterman, one of the founders of the MHRS.

The Michigan Hand Cycle Racing Series includes the 5/3 River Run, the Meijer State Games Time Trial, the Capital City Cycling Classic, the Flint Crim, and the Grand Rapids Marathon. In order to be eligible to win the overall series, racers must register through the series and have participated in at least two selected races throughout the season.

The series wrapped up its season with the Grand Rapids Marathon on October 19, 2014. The affirmed winner of the 2014 MHRS is Travis Peruski of Linden, MI.  Peruski says, “I am amazed at what I can do. I certainly give it everything I can every time I train and every time I race. I try to share all the information to racers who have just begun. I love to get beat because it pushes me to try.”

Bryan Wilkinson, another MHRS competitor, has been hand cycling since 2004 after being paralyzed in a dirt bike accident. Wilkinson says he was immediately hooked on competitive hand cycling after realizing the health benefits it can offer to people with disabilities.

MHRS Competitor Brad Baumann of Zeeland, MI notes “(hand cycling) is great therapy for the stress of life.”

If you are interested in participating in this event next year or becoming a sponsor of the series, please contact Joe Alitizer (joseph@bikeprogram.org) or John Waterman (jwaterman@bikeprogram.org). Sponsors of the MHRS include PEAC (Programs to Educate All Cyclists), Fusion Medical, and Athletes with Disabilities Network.

Joe Altizer, PEAC Staff Member, Receives Well Deserved Recognition by Council of Disability Concerns

 The University of Michigan’s Council for Disability Concerns holds an annual award ceremony presenting certificates of appreciation and the James T. Neubacher award.  James T. Neubacher was an alumnus of the University of Michigan who was a columnist for The Detroit Free Press and an advocate for equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. These prestigious awards are given to strong leaders and advocates for the disability community.

Anna Ercoli Schnitzer, Chair of the James T. Neubacher Award Committee presented the awards. She described self-transcendence as “reaching out beyond yourself to other people.”  Those who receive the awards promote acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life and are advocates for the civil rights of those with disabilities.

Joe Altizer was a recipient of a 2014 University of Michigan Council for Disability Concerns Certificate of Appreciation. He was a part of University of Michigan’s Dance Marathon for four years and served as the family relations chair and also the therapy relations chair. In addition, he is part of PEAC, Programs to Educate All Cyclists. PEAC teaches children and adults with disabilities how to ride a bicycle and use it safely as a means of viable transportation.

Alitizer’s nominator says, “Joe’s dedication has touched the lives of families and hundreds of community members through his dedication with Dance Marathon. He is an tireless advocate of people with disabilities and encourages independence by teaching that they too can ride a bike.”

The ceremony was held on October 24, 2014 at Rackham Graduate School at University of Michigan.

Altizer teaching bicycle safety and the rules of the road to students.

(Photo/ Liz Horvat)

Happy 10th Birthday to PEAC!

Can you believe it? John Waterman launched the wonderful world of PEAC 10 years ago, this summer. Throughout the past 10 years, PEAC has worked with countless individuals on achieving their cycling dreams. Each and every single student and friend of PEAC has played a crucial role in making sure that PEAC continues to reach individuals year after year. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for your generous support. THANK YOU!

Now, we need YOU to help us celebrate! Do you have a favorite PEAC story that you'd like to share with us? We are working to compile all kinds of good stories to lift up in celebration. Here are some questions to help get you started:

1. How are/were you involved with PEAC? 
2. When did you start getting involved with PEAC? 
3. What is your favorite PEAC memory?
4. Where would you like to see PEAC 10 years from now? 
5. What is your favorite memory of John Waterman? 
6. What are you up to now?

You can send your stories to Monica at Monica@bikeprogram.org! 

Also, keep your eyes open for more details on a celebration event this August! 

Seniors at Sterling Heights High School are ROCKSTARS!

This week's shout-out goes to students that participate in the PEAC Active Transportation Initiative at Sterling Heights High School (SHHS).   All our SHHS students have shown such determination in learning public transit in order to become more independent.  This taste of independence has made them EXCITED to learn safe and effective transportation.  Despite the harsh winter conditions, these students have shown that they want to be more active members within their communities.  Actually, not only active, but they want to be confident members of their communities!

The Active Transportation Initiative teaches students skills such as: telling time, keeping time, learning routes to multiple destinations, memorization of routes, money management, appropriate bus etiquette, safe intersection crossing, and communication with drivers--all skills that these students have continued to excel in. PEAC staff doesn't act alone! Mrs. Valley, the students' teacher, is one ROCKSTAR that definitely deserves a fist-bump for superb teaching!  Mrs. Valley uses continued practice throughout the week to keep the students' minds fresh with PEAC knowledge.  It is such a joy each week to see how much the students remember... and sometimes they remember more than I do!

These students have turned bus and walking skills into methods for being confident and safe while in the community.  We here at PEAC are proud of each and every one of them!   

For our SHHS seniors, continue to use your determination and the skills learned at PEAC to become successful young adults!  Keep pushing yourselves to be great leaders!

MEET OUR STUDENT ROCKSTARS

Alex: Strives to learn traveling skills by asking great questions

Andrew: Confidently shines bright now that he can safely lead his group through intersections by using pedestrian signals 

Bailey: Has learned how to identify landmarks and memorize road intersections 

Maverick: Sets himself as a role model to the other students by using leadership skills within the community

Megan: Successfully uses her map to navigate stores and determine what route the bus will take to-and-from SHHS

Ryan:  Knows the bus route like the back of his hand and is always polite to fellow bus riders

Sedrick: Takes the lead in his group by knowing when to pull the bus cord and keeping track of time on trips

PEAC Goes to Washington

2 years ago, PEAC landed in DC for the National Bike Summit amidst Cherry

Blossoms in full bloom and 70 degree weather. The theme of the summit in 2012 was

“Save Cycling”; it focused primarily on funding for bike infrastructure. Fast forward

to March, 2014. PEAC lands in DC amidst 30 degree temps and a snow storm that

shut down the bus system, regional trains, and the federal government. The theme this

year? United Spokes: Moving Beyond Gridlock. Carolyn Szczepanski of the League of

American Bicyclists described this year’s theme as “evocative to all of all the momentum

happening at the local level and the rising tide of equity as a key topic at the local, state,

and national level. We are heading it to Capital Hill to showcase our efforts to make a

bicycle friendly America for everyone.” This was definitely a theme I could warm up to.


I was so excited to see the League highlighting the power of the BIKE as an agent

of social change and empowerment at their summit. Many of the break-out sessions at

both the Women’s Forum and the Summit this year focused on Use based organizations

that are using bikes to empower underrepresented groups. On Monday, Shannon Galpin,

founder of Mountain 2 Mountain, a non-profit dedicated to empowering women and

girls in conflict zones, shared the work she does to support a women’s cycling team in

Afghanistan, a county where women riding bikes is considered immoral. Kristin Gavin,

founder of Gearing Up, shared the role cycling can play to help women “brake” cycles of

addiction, abuse, poverty, and incarceration at interim houses throughout Philadelphia.

We at PEAC are fortunate to be able to witness the transformative power of the

bike for individuals with disabilities every day. We believe in the power of the bike to

promote physical, mental, and emotional strength. We love the inclusive power of the

bike, and the opportunity it offers families to spend time together, and new friendships to

form. And finally, we are witnesses to the power of the bike as a mode of transportation,

offering individuals with disabilities access to their communities and a spontaneous,

independent lifestyle.


Right now, individuals with disabilities are not represented on the Equity

Advisory Council, and are not part of the League’s equity outreach efforts. Although

very disappointed by this exclusion, we are happy to report that the League is eager to

make changes. Next week, PEAC will be talking with Adonia Lugio, Equity Initative

Manager at the League, about next steps in creating a fully inclusive and inviting League

of American Bicyclists. I can’t wait to attend a Summit that is representative of ALL

cyclists. Here’s to 2015!

Keep Calm and RydeOn!

"Keep Calm and RydeOn," said one of the 74 participants at the 3rd Annual PEAC Ryde-A-Thon Event. "I love anything that reminds me to keep calm," she finished, as she held up her bright red t-shirt. 

However, the 3rd Annual PEAC Ryde-A-Thon was anything but calm; with bands ranging from One Republic to Ke$ha to Jay-Z, ryders spun to upbeat songs for one hour at RydeOn spinning studio in Saline!

This is the 3rd year that RydeOn! Saline has been gracious enough to host a day of spinning with all proceeds benefitting PEAC. PEAC is a non-profit organization located in Ypsilanti, Michigan that empowers individuals with disabilities through cycling; in order to enrich lives by increasing community access, fostering social involvement and promoting healthy lifestyles. Our summer program helps over 30 students in Saline alone, and over 250 students throughout Michigan. Some of our students goals include learning to ride a two-wheeled bike, pedaling and steering a tricycle, and increasing endurance on a tandem.  

             Michael mastered the two-wheel this year, thanks to the help of PEAC Saline site! 

                  Katie LOVES to ride the tandem! This year Katie mastered her goal of balancing independently! 

Gavin Carter, first time participant at the PEAC Ryde-A-Thon said, “Kudos to everyone that came out and challenged themselves at RydeOn 2014!  It was my first time doing a spin class and I must say, although it was a challenge, keeping our determined students in mind gave me the motivation to push myself!” Gavin is looking forward to participating next year and helping the PEAC Saline students.

All participants received one hour of spinning from great RydeOn instructors, a free t-shirt, snacks including apples, granola bars and bananas provided by Busch's in Saline, and hot coffee provided by Bearclaw Coffee.

Participants also received two free raffle tickets to enter into our large prize drawing, which included three gift baskets from Pampered Chef, an autographed "fun." tshirt, hand-knit scarves and Performance Bicycle Gear. 

Due to the generosity of our sponsors, we were also able to give away two prizes per hour to participants just for showing up! THANK YOU, Wheels in Motion, Brecon Grille, Reincarnations Resale, Mac's Seafood restaurant, and Al Petri and Sons Bicycle Shop for these donations.

Due to the generosity of the community, this event has brought in more than $4,500 in donations. The generosity of the community helps to keep our costs low for our families! Because we believe that "Everyone Can Ride," we look to eliminate all barriers that might exclude someone from achieving their cycling goals. 

For more pictures of the event, please check out our facebook page or contact liz@bikeprogram.org or monica@bikeprogram.org! 

It is that time of year again! Time for the epic partnership between PEAC and RydeOn Cycling Studio in Saline!

Join us on February 8th, 2014 (the weekend after the Superbowl) to have a great workout and support PEAC while you're at it! Sign up with a team of four, or individually, for an hour-long session of cycling led by a RydeOn spinning instructor!

A class at RydeOn! includes your own Keiser M3 cycle, fit to your body, and an hour of instruction while enjoying pump-up jams and group support!
(Monica, the author of this blog post, most enjoyed the One Direction song during a tough portion of her first class!)

RydeOn Cycling Studio has been the proud supporter of the PEAC Ryde-a-Thon for three years, and is surrounded by the warm community of Saline.  The Waterman family has made Saline their home, and have found it to be a supportive, inviting place for all. We are so thankful for their support, and look forward to growing together!

This summer, PEAC Saline worked with nearly 40 students from the Saline community at our site between Harvest Elementary and Heritage Middle School. Countless milestones were reached and a seemingly infinite number of smiles were seen. Please help us ensure that this work continues in 2014. 

We would love to see you at the 3rd Annual PEAC Ryde-a-Thon! Please visit the PEAC website to sign up!