December 2016 
In This Issue
$10,000 Matching Gift Challenge
50+ Walks: Walk, talk and have fun
Closed sidewalks: Requirements vs. reality
Matching Gift  Challenge: Donate now, and your gift will be doubled.
A generous donor pledged to match all donations - dollar for dollar - up to $10,000, but only until December 31.  A sincere thank you to each of you that has answered the call. 

Your contribution promotes  increased investment in side  walks, better access in construction zones and safe ways to cross busy streets in the Atlanta region.
PEDS logo

We're hoping you and every other PEDS supporter will take advantage of the 2016  Matching Gift Challenge . You'll do twice the good with one donation.

Please act now. This exciting opportunity to have your gift doubled expires at the end of the year.

Link to donate page

PEDS is a small organization.  But be assured, your contributions have an enormous impact.  
Left. Right. Walk. And have fun!
50 + Walks is off to a running start.  Spread across six communities, over 70 older adults have met new friends, enjoyed safety in numbers and visited parks and other  places they'd never experienced before.  Together, they've walked over 1,000 miles.
City Lights walkers taking it to the streets.
 
Liz Bibby, a terrific volunteer, helped jump start the program by becoming our first Walking Ambassador. "Walking fosters a sense of community when you meet people regularly on your route and stop to greet neighbors. Walking is very relaxing.  It keeps people out of cars. It's free. What's not to like?"

We're grateful to Kaiser-Permanente, a big believer in the health benefits of walking, for the support that makes 50+ Walks possible.
 
Want to join in on the fun? Find a group in your area and walk with us. Or get trained to lead your own walks as a Walking Ambassador

 Put people before port-a-potties, dumpsters and parked cars!
In November we reported that the Public Works Department had sent copies of three permits authorizing contractors to close sidewalks. After a bit more prodding, Public Works sent more.

The gap between requirements and reality is glaring.
Of the 131 permits we received, only 4 included te mporary access plans that go beyond installing closed sidewalk signs.  
  • Three mentioned providing overhead protection
  • One confirmed provision of accessible curb ramps
  • None referred to providing protected walkways in the road
Port-a-potty on Peachtree Place
Peachtree Place is well-suited to having a protected walkway in the road. Public Works said no and has instead allowed parked cars and construction debris to fill the space.

Site visits and conversations with contractors confirmed our assumptions. They also exposed blatant violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Large tree stump makes sidewalk inaccessible
A large tree stump makes the sidewalk on West Peachtree Street inaccessible - at the same time the one on the other side is closed.
   
Now the real work begins: convincing elected officials to pass legislation that mandates the transparency, inspection and enforcement needed to ensure safe and convenient access in construction zones.
 
It won't be easy. Government officials often kick the can down the road. But fortunately, we have the passion, persistence and patience needed to make change happen. 

Something you can count on:
We will never, ever, ever give up.
 

Act now. Your gift will be doubled and so will its impact.