PEAC’s John Waterman: Championing Mobility for All
Across the United States, nonprofits are grappling with significant challenges in an era of budget slashing. With 60 to 80% of these organizations relying on government funding, reductions in financial support inevitably lead to a cascade of difficulties. Lincoln Park’s Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) is no exception. Heavily dependent on Medicaid and Regional Transit Authority grants, PEAC faces a shifting financial landscape that threatens its ability to operate at full capacity. However, resilience is deeply ingrained in PEAC’s DNA.
The Journey of John Waterman
More than 30 years ago, John Waterman, a passionate advocate and special education teacher in Battle Creek, laid the foundation for what would become PEAC. Since then, he has devoted his career to mentoring and empowering individuals with disabilities, helping them unlock the freedom and confidence to navigate their communities—whether by bicycle, public transit, or walking.
PEAC has grown into a catalyst for change, advocating for individuals with autism and Down syndrome—groups too often overlooked, misunderstood or misrepresented. Under Waterman’s leadership, the organization has influenced local and statewide legislation, paving the way for those with disabilities to fully participate in activities many of us take for granted. Through this tireless work, PEAC has enriched the lives of thousands, enabling young people with disabilities across Michigan to discover the simple joys of independent mobility.
Navigating Uncertainty with Resilience
Today, PEAC confronts an evolving financial landscape where long-standing Medicaid programs or Regional Transit Authority grants that once provided critical support are disappearing. This dramatic shift raises pressing concerns about the long-term sustainability of organizations like PEAC. However, as Waterman has instilled in countless students, resilience is key. Now is the moment for nonprofits like PEAC to strategize, adapt, and transform obstacles into opportunities—securing the future of their invaluable work.
Rather than viewing these challenges as setbacks, Waterman sees them as a chance to redefine PEAC’s mission. His vision extends beyond survival; he seeks to propel the organization forward, ensuring it continues thrive and make a critical difference for so many.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Community Impact
PEAC’s facility on Fort Street, just west of Southfield, stands as more than just a storefront. This quasi-manufacturing and storage space—originally the Lincoln Park home of Al Petri Bikes—has become a hub where individuals of all abilities learn the mechanical skills to refurbish bicycles. The young people at PEAC take pride in transforming salvaged parts from stolen or discarded bikes into fully functional rides, creating newfound transportation opportunities for those who would otherwise go without.
A tour of their Lincoln Park workspace reveals bikes stripped down, repurposed, and reassembled by dedicated hands. The work extends beyond mechanical skills—it fosters independence, inclusion, and the satisfaction of building something meaningful. Students with disabilities often require individualized assistance programs like those at PEAC addressing their specific learning needs while providing accommodations and support to help them succeed academically and socially.
PEAC’s mission embodies the idea that mobility is not just a privilege, but a fundamental right. As PEAC faces an uncertain future, Waterman’s unwavering commitment reminds us that resilience and adaptability can turn challenges into new possibilities. The legacy he has built serves as both an inspiration and a call to action: to ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, can experience the empowerment of independent movement.
If you’d like to help or learn more about PEAC’s mission, click here to find out more about this wonderful organization. https://www.bikeprogram.org
The work extends beyond mechanical skills—it fosters independence, inclusion, and the satisfaction of building something meaningful.
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