leggypepsiaddict t1_j1u6m97 wrote
Reply to comment by Red__dead in Expanded sidewalks and open streets are game changers for People with Disabilities by CHEKPEDS
Oh for fuck's sweet sake I really hope you're joking. I'm mobility impared, and the "everyone dine on the sidewalks" thing really makes it harder for me to navigate. Especially down in the village where I've had to walk in the street to get past. I can't fathom being in a wheelchair. It's hard enough being wobbly with a cane.
CHEKPEDS OP t1_j1u9a3a wrote
Agreed. These structures are a terrible impediment, but having sidewalk extension without curbs does make life easier.
leggypepsiaddict t1_j1ucp7i wrote
I 💯 percent agree. Also, I know it's not cost effective, but the MTA really needs to make more ADA accessible stations. If it's not accessible to those with disabilities then it's not truly public transport. Thank you for your post, OP.
_Maxolotl t1_j1v8dyc wrote
They spend billions on new stations that are way, way bigger than they need to be. They spend billions tunneling in order to placate rich people who'll sue if they use the cut and cover method, which is much cheaper.
That's not cost effective. Paying way too much for an elevator due to construction industry graft is not cost effective.
But putting in an elevator at a fair price so that disabled people an mobility impaired people and elderly people who just don't want to risk falling down stairs will ride the subway more? That's absolutely cost effective.
meantnothingatall t1_j1uk7os wrote
Where my parents live they only just got the first elevator (no escalators either) in the entire neighborhood in the last few years. This was only at one station out of four.
leggypepsiaddict t1_j1ut3dw wrote
I feel for them. The 59th and Lex (4,5,6, N,R,W) station is the closest to where I need to be for some medical treatment. However, the stairs getting out of there have a slightly higher incline than most stations making it a real bitch to get out of. I get off at CPK south at 5th and schlep a few blocks on flat ground. Much easier. I get that the system was not designed with the disabled in mind and its going to cost a LOT to make stations accessible. But it NEEDS to be done.
ketzal7 t1_j1uncag wrote
The expanded sidewalks would help with that.
_Maxolotl t1_j1v8qf3 wrote
Government officials are always wanting to widen streets and add car lanes when people complain about traffic being difficult to navigate.
We need to demand they widen sidewalks when people complain about crowds and sidewalk cafes being difficult to navigate. That'll mean losing some car lanes, but cities are for people first, not cars.
leggypepsiaddict t1_j1vpvuv wrote
Listen, in Paris street cafes with sidewalk seating are no biggie. But, they have the room to accommodate pedestrians. Yeah the cars are smaller and kinda odd looking sometimes but yeah. My point is that NYC (particularly below Houston) was not built with the same kind of planning. That plus the car centric American society didn't really call for it anyway.
However, NYC is often an incubator and instigator in movements of all types. Since my epileptic ass can't drive, I'd support more traffic patterns like what they did on 32nd between 6th and 7th. Blocked off a lane of traffic with boulders (which also double as much needed public seating for those who can't stand/walk for long periods), painted the lane green and labeled it a "pedestrian flow zone".
InfernalTest t1_j1vbfgo wrote
but without the cars
you wont have cities...
sutisuc t1_j1vcyll wrote
I’m sorry what?
_Maxolotl t1_j1vgsys wrote
pretty sure it's sarcasm
leggypepsiaddict t1_j1vq2ta wrote
It's either sarcasm or the ghost of Robert Moses.
InfernalTest t1_j1wrcxj wrote
well the reason you have this city is because a bunch of people who DO have walkable wide sidewalks dont wanna be there - they wanna be here -
they are from places where you need a car to get around and they will drive in their car to get here for work or for play - nyc wouldnt be NYC if its wasnt for those people in areas where they predominantly have cars - its because of those "car people " we have the prosperity here because they want to come and work and be entertained here and live close enough to get here by car.
CHEKPEDS OP t1_j1zlto1 wrote
2 millions come by car, 6 millions walk or use transit .
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