PEAC Students with Disabilities "Move Things Along" in Lansing

October 1st, 2013

By Monica Walls

Shawn Kohsmann and James Kleimola, two PEAC students who face the challenge of a cognitive impairment, testified in front of the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this morning during PEAC’s second trip to Lansing this month. This hearing would determine the fate of House Bill 4866, the “hand-signal bill.”

Referred to by some as “commonsense legislation,” this bill would allow cyclists to extend their right arm to indicate a right turn. The current legislation requires an upturned left arm to indicate this turn. Kohsmann and Kleimola noted that the proposed signal is simpler for them as cyclists. They noted that it is also easier for drivers to understand this intuitive signal.

Kohsmann has been riding on the road for over 15 years, and uses the bike to access his job, family and community. He faces the challenge of a cognitive impairment and will not get a driver’s license. Living in the traffic-congested city of Canton, it is imperative that he communicates clearly with other users of the road. Kohsmann emphasized the importance of making this hand signal legal as a way of making roadways safer for him and other cyclists.

James Kleimola took the stage next.

“My name is James Kleimola. I have a cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy. I won’t get a driver’s license and I use a bike to get to work, school, football practice and church.”  Kleimola then noted that he currently uses an extended right arm to indicate a right-hand turn. This has been effective for him and motorists have understood.

While Chairman of the Committee, Representative Wayne Schmidt, was planning to push the vote on this bill until a later meeting, Schmidt proposed to pass the bill out of the committee onto the House Floor. With a unanimous vote, the Committee voted to pass along the bill.

While the federal government comes to a standstill, these young PEAC advocates are pushing Michigan forward. Chairman Schmidt acknowledged this after the completion of the vote, “Thank you James and Shawn, you got us to move a little faster here in Lansing.”

Kleimola expressed his excitement at the victory: “This is a great day.”

PEAC hopes to be back in Lansing soon, to ensure the success of this law as well as the Vulnerable User Act (link here).

Find out more about PEAC at their website, or contact John Waterman at jwaterman@bikeprogram.org. 

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. 

Conor Waterman

James' Speech

Katie B. 

                                                Katie, Laura, Monica, Conor, John, James, Abby and Laura

Youth with Disabilities Push for Vulnerable User Bill

Cyclists and individuals with disabilities across Michigan are teaming up to increase access to communities everywhere. There are currently two bills (HB 4792 and 4799) in the House of Representatives that will raise penalties of motorists injuring or killing vulnerable users--that is anyone walking or using a bicycle or mobility device. The League of Michigan Bicyclists explains what these bills would mean:

“Modeled after accepted European standards and containing penalties similar to those used in numerous states and communities across the country, this legislation creates enhanced penalties for drivers who injure or kill a vulnerable roadway user, defined as a bicyclist, pedestrian or wheelchair user. The enhanced penalties include community service, driver-improvement education, fines, and jail time, as well as a mandatory one-year license suspension. These would only apply if a driver committed a moving violation resulting in the injury or death of a non-motorized user who was following Michigan traffic laws” (www.lmb.org, full article can be found here).

Why does this law matter to the disability community?

James, 22, is a young advocate from Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC). James faces the challenge of cerebral palsy and a cognitive impairment, and is living independently at Eastern Michigan University. When discussing the Vulnerable User bill, James stated “I just want to be safe getting around on my bike. I don’t want to be hit by a car. I want drivers to stop and look.”

Others are also speaking out. Jessica is a student who participated in PEAC’s Active Transportation Program, where she learned to operate the fixed route bus system in her community. She has often felt concerned about her safety while on the roadways as a pedestrian. “We just want drivers to think before they act.”

John Waterman, Executive Director of PEAC, is passionate about raising awareness of this issue.

“Without a legal ramification, motorists will continue to drive carelessly around vulnerable users. We don’t want to see anybody getting locked up, but this law will be excellent at raising awareness about the real issue that is affecting vulnerable travelers. It will make drivers responsible and accountable for their driving habits. Making our roadways safer is a way of increasing independence and increasing access to our communities for individuals with disabilities, and this is an incredibly important bill.”

Join all of us in this important legislative push toward making our roads safer for individuals with disabilities. PEAC will be traveling to Lansing with our young advocates on September 11th for the first hearing of this bill. You can help to strengthen the voice of the disability community by emailing the representatives on the Criminal Justice Committee:

Kurt Heise (R) Committee Chair, 20th District (KurtHeise@house.mi.gov)

Joseph Graves (R) Majority Vice-Chair, 51st District (JosephGraves@house.mi.gov)

Kenneth Kurtz (R) 58th District (KennethKurtz@house.mi.gov)

Mike Calton (R) 87th District (MikeCallton@house.mi.gov)

Ed McBroom (R) 108th District (EdMcBroom@house.mi.gov)

Margaret O’Brien (R) 61st District (MargaretOBrien@house.mi.gov)

Klint Kesto (R) 39th District (KlintKesto@house.mi.gov)

Stacy Oakes (D) Minority Vice-Chair, 95th District (stacyerwinoakes@house.mi.gov)

Rose Mary Robinson (D) 4th District (rosemaryrobinson@house.mi.gov)

John Kivela (D) 109th District (johnkivela@house.mi.gov)

Brian Banks (D) 1st District (brianbanks@house.mi.gov)

Joy Brewer, Committee Clerk (joybrewer@house.mi.gov, 517-373-8474)

Additionally, please sign up here to receive email updates from PEAC about this legislative push.

We all share the sentiment of young advocate Connor Waterman: “I don’t want to get squashed on the road.” It is time to step up as the disability community and have our voices heard. 

What is my goal for the Celebration? Riding 100 Miles!

The Celebration of Cycling has always been PEAC's end-of-summer block party. It is a time when all of the parents and students of our Summer Program can come together, enjoy a beautiful September Saturday and ride along Hines Drive.

The awesome thing about Celebration of Cycling is that for some of our PEAC families, this is the first time that they have had the opportunity to ride together. For some families, it is their first tour, others have ridden the route many times and are experts on our 12-mile traffic free route. However, whether you are a novice or an old pro, all of our families are riding together and celebrating something great; the goals that the students set at the beginning of the summer.

At the beginning of each summer, our students set goals which include learning to balance and ride a two-wheeled bike, becoming a stoker on one of our tandems or mastering steering a tricycle. In addition to these goals, they set goals for the Celebration of Cycling; these goals help them strive for greatness all summer long on those hot summer days.

This year, we are asking you to set goals for yourselves, so that you celebrate along with our students and can also feel the great sense of accomplishment on September 14th!

One of our long time PEAC supporters, Wes Grose, has used the Celebration of Cycling to return to cycling after a major heart surgery.

Wes says:

     I have always felt that I do my best when I am striving toward a specific goal. In May of 2000, I was recovering from heart by-pass surgery. Both my cardiologist and cardiac surgeon asked about my plans for the future. I told them that I would return to work and that I wanted to do a 50-mile bike ride in September. Both doctors thought I was over-reaching and cautioned me to be careful and not over do my training.

I had participated in the Celebration of Cycling and knew it was the place to realize my goal. My friend Brian spent a lot of time helping me ride back into good physical condition. When September rolled around, I was ready for the Celebration. I accomplished my goal. I emailed the photos of me and my bike at the end of the ride to both doctors. It was a big day for me. A Celebration.

The Celebration of Cycling is all about realizing goals. The participants of PEAC programs all have goals. It could be as simple as learning how to pedal a tricycle or staying on the back of a tandem. the goals can be riding a bicycle, improving riding skills, learning to ride in traffic, or how to use their bike to get to work or the local store. Many activities that most of us take for granted are the goals and great achievements of the PEAC participants. We celebrate the progress toward these goals in September at the Celebration of Cycling. Providing part of the financial means to turn these goals into reality is what the Celebration of Cycling is about.

This year, set a goal for yourself and celebrate it at the Celebration of Cycling ride. Ride a new personal best distance or average speed. Learn to be a tandem captain and ride with a stoker who is blind of a PEAC summer program participant. Volunteer to help with the Celebration of Cycling. Encourage a non-cyclist friend to ride with you. Set a goal outside of your comfort zone and celebrate achieving your goal. It is a great feeling. Ask any PEAC participant or volunteer.

See you in September.

Wes Grose

                           
                         This is a picture of Wes, participating in the 2011 PEAC Spooky Ride.

We ask you to accept Wes's challenge and pick a goal and CELEBRATE IT with us on September 14th. Also, take your challenge one step further and email liz@bikeprogram.org and we will post your goal on our blog and facebook page and then pictures of your success following the ride!

Register for the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling!
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/5331105480

Mike Zelley's 5 points to become a great advocate!

Mike Zelley, President of the Flint Disability Network took a few minutes out of his busy schedule today to share some words of wisdom with our young advocates. Throughout his career, Zelley has been a critical player in passing laws such as the Ticket to Work (http://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html#a0=1), which allows individuals relying on social security to enter the workforce without immediately losing their benefits.

Zelley now leads the Flint Disability Network, whose motto is “Nothing about us without us,” meaning that individuals with disabilities need to be involved with any conversation regarding policies or laws that may affect their lives.

Mr. Zelley’s major points to our advocates were as follows:

1. Do your research on the issues and the lawmakers or advocates you are speaking with
2. Use a collective voice and build support for your position
3. Be respectful to those who have differing opinions
4. Find a reason for lawmakers to care--connect them to the cause
5. Never ever ever give up.

We look forward to putting Mr. Zelley’s advice to good use in our upcoming advocacy pushes in Lansing. Thank you to everyone at Flint Disability Network for welcoming us to Flint!

Please stay tuned for updates on the upcoming legislation pushes that PEAC will be involved with in the very near future!

Hot off the presses, The Joys of Jennifer!

Our 21st Celebration of Cycling is right around the corner on September 14th and we are pleased and honored to be hosting Carolyn Siewicki, author of her new book, Joys of Jennifer. This book honors PEAC's very own, Jennifer, who has participated in PEAC programming and is a frequent rider at our Thursday night family rides. 

This year, Jennifer will be riding in the 21st Annual Celebration of Cycling on the back on a tandem for a 12 mile route, while Carolyn will be selling first edition autographed copies and $1 from each book will be donated back to PEAC. Click here to learn more and to register for PEAC's Celebration of Cycling!

Would you give up on your child if you were told, right from birth, that there was no hope? If Carolyn had done that, her daughter Jennifer would not have thrived with her many challenges. The Joys of Jennifer will give all parents of children with challenges or special needs the hope, confidence, and reassurance in their parenting skills.

“This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever faced a challenge and wondered why. In this true account of a family raising a child with special needs and facing challenges every step of the way, the reader will be moved by Jennifer’s spirit and her family’s courage and ability to embrace her precious life. Jennifer is an inspiration to all of us fighting the battle against pulmonary hypertension.” ~Erika Berman Rosenzweig MD, Medical Director, Pulmonary Hypertension Center, Columbia University-NYP

“Jennifer’s story is a true example of self-determination. With faith, courage, and a great sense of humor, she has been able to overcome the greatest obstacles in life. Larry and Carolyn define the true meaning of unconditional love and support.” ~Ann Mansour, Independent Support Coordinator for Community Living Services of Oakland County

“As a professor, I try not to pick favorites. But when introduced to a student with as much drive, dedication, determination, and charisma as Jennifer has, it was hard not to acknowledge her as a favorite. Jennifer’s story is one that shows how perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a sense of humor will take you beyond your wildest imagination. This book will be a valuable read to parents, would-be parents, or anyone who wishes to be inspired. Jennifer was a gift in my life, and it was an honor to be her teacher.” ~Christine Stover, Instructor of Communication and adviser to WXOU, Oakland University

“I first met Jennifer when she was twenty-eight years old. She is an inspiring young woman who has overcome many obstacles. This book is a testament to her spirit, courage, and compassion.” ~Dr. Donna M. Martin, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, the University of Michigan Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics

“Carolyn Siewicki’s memoir, The Joys of Jennifer, is a beautifully written dedication to her daughter. This inspirational story is about the abilities of a medically challenged young lady who has overcome many obstacles in her life. The dedication, encouragement, and support of her positive family have helped the high-spirited Jennifer achieve many goals and ac-complishments.” ~Melissa Shaw, Special Education Teacher

To order Carolyn Siewicki’s book,

please visit www.carolynsiewickibooks.com,

www.nelsonpublishingandmarketing.com

Also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ingram and Baker & Taylor.

Orders also accepted at Nelson Publishing & Marketing, (248) 735-0418.

Price is $12.95.

Carolyn was also featured in this weekend's Livonia Observer. Click here to see the story. 

Welcome, Monica! Our NEW Summer Program Coordinator

Hello PEAC Friends!

My name is Monica Walls and I am so excited to announce that I have recently stepped into the role of Summer Program Coordinator for PEAC. I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to play such a role within this organization. I cannot wait to meet everyone and hear about the cycling goals that will be accomplished throughout the next few months! 

On behalf of the PEAC Family, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank my predecessor Steve Shelton, for all that he has done for PEAC throughout the years. Nearly twelve years ago, Steve began volunteering and working with John Waterman on the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities. He has played a crucial role in PEAC's growth and success throughout the years, and his presence will be greatly missed! We wish him all the best in his new endeavors and look forward to seeing where life leads him next. 

If you have any questions or comments about this year's summer program, please feel free to email me at monica@bikeprogram.org! With seven sites up and running and over 150 students registered, we are off to a great start. We can't wait to see all of the celebrations. Keep checking the blog for weekly student and staff spotlights! 

Happy Riding!