Why We Need Safe Streets: A Perspective From Someone Who Is Blind

Donna Permar is a resident of Durham, NC and a long-time local advocate for safe places to walk and improved transit service. 

I recently joined the Bike Durham Advocacy Committee because I strongly support its mission of empowering all people to walk,  bike, and ride transit more often. Therefore, I wish to do whatever I can to help shape policies that promote safe pedestrian travel, enjoyable bike trails, and a public transportation system that meets the needs of current riders and attracts others who are not yet on board.

Due to my vision loss, my guide dog and I travel to work, appointments, shopping, et cetera via GoDurham, and we log hundreds of miles walking to many destinations. I have fought for sidewalks where there weren’t any and have promoted the installation of audible pedestrian signals (APS), which enable those of us who are blind and low-vision to cross streets more safely. My advocacy led to an APS installation at Hillandale Road and Croasdaile Commons where there are medical clinics, an urgent care center, Walgreens and several restaurants. Most recently, my efforts helped to get an APS installed at the very dangerous intersection of Fayetteville Road and Renaissance Parkway, which would make travel much safer for cyclists and pedestrians. 

I am also eager to provide input on improving transit service in Durham. I participated in the Transit Equity Campaign videos as a small way to advocate for improved transit in Durham. My ability to travel independently relies in large part on Durham’s transit system. Changes to transit routes present unique challenges for people with disabilities, and while changes can be inconvenient overall, the adjustment period to navigate a new routine and other changes can be longer and more frustrating for people with disabilities.

I do this work because I want to increase public awareness surrounding the idea that people with disabilities also bike and hike and would greatly benefit from improved trails, sidewalks and a transit system that is more reliable, efficient and serves more of the places where people need to go. I’ve been riding tandem bicycles with Bridge II Sports, and I enjoy it as a way to show others that people with disabilities are fully capable of athletic activities, such as biking. 

Back-seat biking provides impromptu opportunities to explain how I live my life, and it gives others a space where they can grow more comfortable when interacting with those of us who have disabilities. I enjoy riding tandem bikes with my guides as they describe the scenery to me along our route. We also discuss topics of mutual interest ranging from work, vacations and gardening, to sports and cooking. Most times, I find back seat pedaling on a tandem bike so pleasant that I wish my guide dog could be my captain. Alas, that skill was not included in his training. 

I firmly believe that achieving an excellent public transit system is crucial if the City of Durham truly wants to include all of its diverse populations in employment, education, recreation and health care opportunities. Transportation to such facilities is a huge barrier to participation for those who cannot afford to drive vehicles, have a disability which prohibits driving, or the senior-citizen population who once drove cars but are no longer able to do so. My hope is that some day Durham’s public transportation system will be second to none!