In June 2025, hundreds of bicyclists participated in a “slow roll” in Whitehouse as a tribute to a lost friend and fellow cyclist. Roseann Marie Peiffer, of Maumee, was struck by a car while biking with friends on S. River Road near Providence Metropark just over a week earlier.

That outpouring of grief and support was just one testament to the legacy of the 38-year-old mother who was well known in the bicycling and triathlon communities.

One year after that tragic last day of May, friends and family were planning another ride in her memory. This one would begin at a newly refurbished trailhead and bike station at the start of the Towpath Trail at Providence’s Dam Area. The trailhead improvements, including a bike fix-it station and nearby swinging bench, are thanks to donations made in Roseann’s memory.

Friends Khalil and Lavinia Raffoul said those who contributed to the improvements wanted Roseann’s memory to “inspire a greater awareness of how great bicycling can be for enjoying the outdoors with family and friends and for maintaining health and fitness.”

At the same time, they wanted Roseann’s death to highlight the dangers that distracted motorists pose to cyclists.

Nicole Fuizzotti, president of Toledo Area Bicyclists, was similarly inspired by the loss of her friend. In addition to organizing the anniversary ride, she brought together cycling enthusiasts, representatives of cycling groups and local governments to discuss ways to educate the community about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of sharing the road.

“It is really hard to believe that we will be coming together to celebrate Roseann's life a year later from the accident,” Nicole said. “After her death, I reflected on all that she was to me and how she impacted those around her. That is where the passion for advocacy was ignited -- helping to bring awareness in the community.”

Many remember Roseann as an athlete and coach who won numerous trophies in international competitions and completed a 212-mile cycling event across Michigan in just over 14 hours.

Family members, including her husband, Mike, and sister, Kristen Jindra, remember her as mom to Annmarie, a faithful Catholic and a vibrant personality.

“I will never forget how I used to say I needed a vacation after a vacation with Roseann because I was always trying to keep up with her,” Mike said. “Looking back, it feels like she knew her time in this world was limited, because she used every second to live life to the fullest. The time I had with Roseann was the highlight of my life. What makes me the saddest is that she only got 2.5 years with Annmarie, and it tears me up inside. Annmarie tells me all the time how much she misses Mommy, and there is nothing I can do about it. Life goes on, but it is profoundly changed for the worse.” 

“Roseann had a great love and passion for the outdoors,” Kristen said. “A big focus of her life was health and fitness. Outside of becoming educated in those areas she embodied it in her everyday life. She went on to accomplish many extraordinary feats as evidenced by the abundance of medals and trophies she earned and her title as a world triathlete for Team USA. She really found herself and where she belonged in the athletic community. Her kindness and compassion towards others is what grew her connection to her community”

A memorial bench was placed along the Towpath Trail at Providence, 1,000 feet from where Roseann was struck by a distracted driver. A new bike repair station and water fountain with bottle filling station, and improvements to the Providence Dam Trailhead kiosk near the restrooms are being completed in tribute to her memory.

“Distracted driving has changed many lives profoundly, especially mine and Annmarie’s,” Mike said. ”Roseann was with me drinking coffee at 6 a.m. on May 31, talking and laughing, and by 9:44 a.m. she was killed. People need to think about how many things in their life would change if their other half were gone in a split second because of someone else’s carelessness. I hope the work we are doing changes lives for the better.”

“My sister was my best friend and part of my everyday life,” Kristen said. “We had a special close relationship that I now mourn daily because of one person’s selfish decision to not pay attention. She did everything right that day and followed all the safety and traffic rules. What happened to her should never have happened and should never happen to anyone. “

Learn More

 For more information about making roads safer for everyone, visit thewhiteline.org and familiesforsafestreets.org