This is a conclusion to my series on Bike Sharing Vs. The Blind and Mobility challenged here in Dallas. As is usual, the solution or end to this story doesn’t come in the form of a bureaucrat Knight riding in to save the day on their government issued white horse. Nope, not today, today the conclusion of this story comes in the form of an entrepreneur, a visionary who is striving to bring sight to those who lack it. Suman Kanuganti, founder and CEO of AIRA along with AT&T found their way into my life. Cue the dramatic musical score, in a move reminiscent of Reagan standing at the Berlin Wall telling his Russian counterpart to “Tear down this wall,” along comes AIRA. AIRA is tearing down walls that society has built leaving the blind to fight their own cold war. A lot has happened since that fateful day in December of 2017. Laying on my back nursing a torn-up knee and ankle I began a journey to implore my local government to take those with mobility challenges to heart as they embarked on ambitious ventures like implementing a “Bike Sharing” program. In a move that was either just plain stupid or simply lacked any thought we saw some 18,000 plus bikes dumped on the streets of Dallas. This was done without considering the impact such a program would have on a very large segment of the population. This program that had no rules, regulations or structure, it was just the Wild West when it came down to it. Those who were blind were left to navigate the minefield, those left in wheelchairs or disabled and on crutches were left without a clear path too life. All of this because of an ineffective government blind themselves to the struggles of those they serve.
Now, over the next several weeks I will be writing about my new life in this year of “YES” for me. I will share just how AIRA along with AT&T cleared a path, a new path for me in my life. Special thanks to Matt Howerton at WFAA Channel 8 here in Dallas for coming out to see me and my new “Specs.” The moral of this story is simple, never surrender to a government that doesn’t see you except when they pander for your vote. Look beyond government to the visionaries and entrepreneurs who are engaged with companies to solve social issues. Believe in something greater than the worst that has happened to you and have faith that somewhere out there exists the solution. This is the year that I decided to say “YES.” To believe that I am the captain of my ship, the author to my life story and for me the glass isn't half full, it is overflowing.
Navigating the "Bike Minefield" with AIRA!
