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Monday, March 25, 2002

By The Associated Press

MEADVILLE, Pa. -- A man with cerebral palsy wants officials to ride in his wheelchair so they can experience the bumpy sidewalks and other conditions that make him head for the street.

Paul Pecunas issued his challenge to Meadville City Council after navigating what he described as a particularly bad stretch of sidewalk.

"I felt like my power wheelchair turned into a mad bull. I was bouncing so much in my wheelchair that my communication device came loose," Pecunas wrote in an e-mail to The Meadville Tribune.

Pecunas, 32, uses e-mail and an electronic communication device to communicate.

Council members agreed to the challenge, which he wants to take place during Disabilities Awareness Week, which is April 14-20.

Councilman Don Gill said spending a time in Pecunas' wheelchair would enable him to find troublesome sidewalks.

"I know some areas that need repairs are because of tree roots -- including my own sidewalk at home," Gill said.

"I think it will make me aware of how the condition of the sidewalks could impede someone with physical challenges," said Councilman Sam Byrd Jr.

Pecunas said he realizes rolling on the road may unnerve drivers, but he said he has no choice.

"About a year ago I was rolling and a cop stopped me and talked to me about driving on the road. He warned me if he saw me on the road again, he would give me a citation. But I feel safer on the road," Pecunas wrote. "If I was to drive on the sidewalks, I would be afraid I would tip my wheelchair because of the bumps, and land sideways on the road, and maybe get hit by a car."

Last year, the city searched for sidewalks that weren't in compliance with its sidewalk ordinance and gave property owners 60 days to make repairs. The city began repairing sidewalks and billing owners after that.

The city wasn't able to have all damaged sidewalks repaired last year and hasn't decided how to continue this year, said Assistant City Engineer John Coulter.

The city isn't responsible for many of the rough sidewalks, he said. Property owners are required to make repairs if walks are bumpy and damaged.