The Toledo Safer Roads Initiative will officially kick off at the ride Aug. 9, to combat distracted driving after the tragic loss of local cyclist Roseann Peiffer.
WATERVILLE, Ohio — A new campaign focused on combating distracted driving and improving road safety will officially launch during this year’s Maumee Area River Ride on Aug. 9, in honor of a beloved local cyclist who was killed earlier this year.
The Toledo Safer Roads Initiative will kick off during the 31st annual Maumee Area River Ride, hosted by Toledo Area Bicyclists.
The initiative was inspired in memory of Roseann Peiffer, a 38-year-old triathlete and fitness trainer who was struck and killed by an 18-year-old distracted driver while cycling in Providence Township on May 31.
The Toledo Safer Roads Initiative aims to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, advocate for stronger traffic safety laws and promote respectful road-sharing between motorists and cyclists. A key part of the campaign will focus on outreach to young drivers, urging them to develop safe habits behind the wheel.
Friends and colleagues described Peiffer as a positive force in the local athletic community, known for her humility, competitive spirit and dedication to promoting health and wellness.
During the Maumee Area River Ride, signage will be placed along the route to raise awareness and local law enforcement will have an increased presence. The event also serves as a public call to action for safer streets at a local and state level.
“This year’s MARR Ride will be more than just a ride; it will be a rally for safer roads,” organizers said.
Peiffer is survived by her husband and their young daughter. The hope is that the Toledo Safer Roads Initiative will lead to lasting change and prevent future tragedies like the one that claimed Peiffer’s life.
The event will take place at Buffalo Rock Brewing Company on Anthony Wayne Trail in Waterville on Aug. 9. Riders will check in starting at 7 a.m. and begin between 8 and 10 a.m. A brief presentation will follow at 12:15 p.m., with food trucks on-site from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is no fee, but a donation of $25 or more is recommended to support safe group riding and help the club. Through a partnership with The Right Direction, two children will receive new bikes and helmets at the event. A portion of the proceeds will go toward The Right Direction’s mission of connecting bikes to kids in need.
For registration and additional details about the Maumee Area River Ride, visit the event’s website at this link.
Want more from WTOL 11 News?
➡️ Stay up to date on what’s happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on-demand content from WTOL 11+. Download on your TV and watch for free.
Our WTOL 11+ apps are available to download on Roku, Apple and Fire TV so you can watch today’s news whenever you want.
WTOL 11+ features the latest breaking news and weather, plus daily talk shows, coverage of your favorite sports teams and trending local and national stories.
➡️ Download the WTOL 11 news mobile app for Apple here or get it in the Google store here.
➡️ Get a fresh start to your morning and wrap up your day with the latest news and your WTOL 11 Weather forecast delivered right to your inbox!
WTOL 11’s Your Morning Blast and Your Evening Blast deliver stories from northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond to keep you informed.
Click here to get on the list!
➡️ Looking for the lowest current local gas prices? Check out the WTOL 11 gas price tracker, powered by GasBuddy, here.
This article was published by Diane Woodring (WTOL) on 2025-07-31 13:26:00
View Original Post
