Rained here most of the day, which will balance out the week of dry weather coming.
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
Sidewalk Frustrations
Ok, no pretty pictures today, just a rant about sidewalks and other barriers to riding in a wheelchair. I'v ridden downtown several times recently, usually to go to the drugstore, and the sidewalks are FRUSTRATING! Let me just complain a little, ok?
For most of my rides along Nelson Street West or Noble Street there are no sidewalks, so I'm riding on the road. You may remember this view of Nelson West, one of my two favourite rides.
The main issue I have with these is the corrugated pavement which is bumpy as hell to ride over. To understand you need to know that I suffer from a constant band of nerve pain around the level of my spinal cord injury. Imagine you're driving a considerable speed down the worst corduroy road you've ever seen! I end up following a fairly meandering path to avoid them.
There are other hazards I have to watch out for, like this broken slightly sunken grate which they finally marked with a pylon a few weeks back. Maybe they're going to fix it! I not only have to avoid this, I have to swing out in the road to miss the dip - one place where my new rear-view mirror is handy.. Luckily all these local roads I ride have very little traffic.
But going downtown beside the busy main stretch of Nelson Street I have to ride this sidewalk from hell! I haven't figured out yet whether it hurts less to go slow and careful or just grit your teeth and drive at a normal speed! It hurts a lot either way!
There are other things I certainly think I can legitimately complain about. The easiest accessible entrance to the drugstore is this one. I have to move forward to reach the button on the left, then quickly back up as the door opens, then turn a sharp left through the door and up the ramp. The door is usually closing on my wheelchair before I get entirely through. There are lots of places where efforts have been made to provide access, but it's still very awkward or difficult for wheelchair users.
And yesterday they were burying a new sewer line under Nelson, blocking the one sidewalk. I had to veer widely out and use that detour myself, watching for cars hidden behind the excavator.
On the positive side I found this handy rear-view mirror advertised and ordered one. It's much easier to wear this on your wrist for your ride than trying to fit one to the wheelchair.
It works quite well, here showing the empty road extending behind me. Anything that helps with safety. I'm constantly on the watch for cars as I ride, so this really helps.
Rained here most of the day, which will balance out the week of dry weather coming.
Rained here most of the day, which will balance out the week of dry weather coming.
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I hear you so loud. I used to work with a group of activists all campaigning constantly for better wheelchairs access. Things like curb cuts, shop doors with low enough entryway to get a chair across.
ReplyDeleteWhen my late husband in his last years used a wheelchair we experienced those doors from hell you show us. I had to push, he couldn't navigate an electric one, and I'd have to go in ahead, get someone in the store help us in fast enough not to have his chair trapped in the "accessible" door!
I think every architect and traffic planner should be required to use a chair to test their designs. Then they'd find "only" a two inch high step might as well be two feet.
I often wonder how the people we meet on our walks who use wheelchairs manage some of the areas along the way. They usually zip past so we haven’t had any conversations with them.
ReplyDeleteTruly an obstacle course alright and you have every right to bring those shortcomings to the attention of city planners. If nobody complains, nothing gets changed seems to often be the norm. That's a clever rear view wrist mirror you have there. I've never seen anything like that.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine how frustrating and infuriating it must be.
ReplyDeleteOw! I hope you have complained about the sidewalks. I've found some places are very responsive to complaints but others just seem to ignore them.
ReplyDeleteI think you need to campaign for accessible paths in the same way you once opened up trails in the forest. I'm wondering if that mirror would work for me when I'm riding my bicycle.
ReplyDeleteHello, I can only imagine how you feel while riding over these sidewalks. The mirror on thw e wrist is a good idea, for you to stay safe. Take care, have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteyou know, you sure bring up valid points and I don't view them as complaints. They are legit and with all the help cities and towns are putting forth for the handicapped, they need to hop in a wheelchair and see for themselves. I've admired folks like yourself when I see them going down the sidewalks but I never thought about how challenging it must be.
ReplyDeleteThe wrist mirror is an awesome addition! Never ever seen anything like that.
So sorry to learn of the pain you endure, and the unthinking road and sidewalk obstacles. You have every right to rant!
ReplyDeleteLove your rear view mirror! As a civil engineer who designs roadway and sidewalk improvements I totally get your frustrations. I am a huge fan of sidewalks - one of the most satisfying parts of my job is when I design a project that will bring sidewalks and curb ramps to an area that lacks these improvements. Be a squeaky wheel to your local government! Some cities have pedestrian advisory boards (the one I work for does) and they seek input from folks in mobility devices. Check it out where you live, I think your input would be valuable to them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is time for you to write a letter to the editor and CC the city or county council. You have some valid complaints and I am sure there are others with the same problems.
ReplyDeleteOnly just noticed this post. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteI had to use the loo at my local supermarket this week. It’s been very stressful coming home to London after the peace and quiet of a small village in Switzerland so my IBS has flared up. The Ladies is out of order. Again. So I had to ask for the Disabled Toilet to be unlocked. This is humiliating. And it’s also the nappy changing room. I’d like to know why this room is kept locked. I have never seen a wheelchair user in this shop but that isn’t the point. Anyone should be able to use it without having to accost a busy staffer. Also, why is the Ladies so often broken? I’m going to rattle some cages as this isn’t good enough. Good luck with your pavements. From the photos I‘d say they would qualify as shocking in this part of North London.
That is a great little mirror! Perhaps you should a video and send it to the City Council persons:)
ReplyDeleteSome rough roads.
ReplyDeleteA pilot project has started here that I hope is cancelled quickly: e-scooters from three different companies, Bird, Lime, and another one. These things are starting to clutter up sidewalks, which would be problematic for anyone with a wheelchair.