It's about respect - and mobility

This video talks about the lack of respect by those who violate handicap parking laws. I liked it because the speaker mentions the impact on his life- how he has to drive around to find spots because of violators who are taking up the spots.



Of course, those of us with disabilities who have transportation are the lucky ones. Not to minimize the problem of being late or missing appointments because we have to drive around to find a place where we can get out of our cars-and sometimes can't, but there are many more who face serious danger trying to get around in their wheelchairs on roads that aren't built for wheelchair pedestrians.

As I was reading the news this morning, I saw several articles about wheelchair pedestrians in accidents. Sadly, this is daily fare. One wheelchair user was stuck on the tracks near Chicago, but fortunately didn't touch the electrified third rail. Then there are the fatalities. The wheelchair users who wind up dead with photos of their wrecked and twisted chairs in an article that usually reads: Wheelchair user killed. Blind pedestrian hit by car. Sometimes there isn't even a name. I hate that the most, when the person isn't even named.

So often I hear people say that wheelchair users or blind pedestrians (or others with disabilities) shouldn't be here or there. Of course, that's easy to say if you don't face paratransit cuts that are becoming deeper all the time.

But none of these stories mention that.

And, as I said before, every day these stories are in the news. That's because many of our streets- including sidewalks, curbcuts, intersections , and bus stops - are built only for speeding cars.

I ask you to check out the National Complete Streets Coalition.

Now, in communities across the country, a movement is growing to complete the streets. States, cities and towns are asking their planners and engineers to build road networks that are safer, more livable, and welcoming to everyone.

Instituting a complete streets policy ensures that transportation planners and engineers consistently design and operate the entire roadway with all users in mind - including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

It's not just for people with disabilities, but for bicyclists, all pedestrians, motorcyclists and others.

If you're concerned, learn more about it here.

Or check out this slideshow:

Introduction to Complete Streets

View more presentations from National Complete Streets Coalition.