Conversation yesterday in a car, which is apparently the only approved way of getting around in L****
"Okay, look. See? This is what I'm talking about. That guy in the wheelchair is going to come to the end of the sidewalk and there's no slopy thing for him to go down. There's just a curb. He's going to be stuck there!"
"That's not good."
"No, it's not good, and that's my point about L**** and the stupid sidewalks. Where's he supposed to go, huh? Is he supposed to go up in the grass? What if his wheelchair won't make it?"
"I dunno."
"Is he going to try to go over the curb? Because the last thing I need to see today is a cripple pitching forward out of his wheelchair and landing on his face in the street."
"Not on a Wednesday, at least. On a Monday, maybe . . ."
"Yeah, because on Mondays you could use a laugh."
"But on a Wednesday that's just cruel."
I'm Steph, a librarian and mom of 3 (not sure how that happened). Let's chat books, food, Sumptuous Literary Adaptations, poop, knitting and maybe some crazy Mormon Feminism.
11 comments:
I so hear you! I've been rollerblading with my dog, and although wheelchairs are probably more stable than rollerblades, I run into the same obstacles people in wheelchairs do. Sidewalks that end in the middle of a block because a lot hasn't been built on. Curbs on corners instead of transitional ramps. Raised segments with jutting concrete from tree roots. Cars parked in driveways directly blocking the sidewalk. Homeowners/Landlords who don't keep their sidewalks clear of debris (horse chestnuts are awful on blades). You get the idea.
By the way, when does the book club you lead meet? I've thrown away my city newsletter and want to get the upcoming one my calendar.
Christie, it meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 9am. So December 13th is the next one. I wouldn't call myself the leader, though. These ladies are feisty! :-)
And yeah, seriously about the sidewalks. It's really bad. And most of the people I see now are in the really heavy motorized chairs, so even if some kind stranger wanted to try to help them over a curb they might not be able to!
There is a free bus in Logan. With wheelchair access.
Your book club is meeting in the day time? What does the library do without you?
STM, you are right. But first they have to get to the bus stop. And if that stop is anywhere along Main Street then there's a good chance there will be problems.
Why can't they just ride down to the first driveway they can find, go out into the street, and then ride back to the corner?
I don't see a problem, really.
Oh, I meant you could ride the bus as ab alternative to your car. i wasn't really meaning all people in wheelchairs should ride the bus; the second sentence was more of an aside really.
RE: Daltongirl
Generally these aren't residential streets. (Those without proper sidewalks / ramps.)
L***** is bike-unfriendly in some parts of town. Other parts are fine. (Not even mentioning that stupid hill the university is built on.)
That's it. I'm moving to L****.
A) I'm guaranteed a laugh every Monday.
B) I like driving; and
C) I will make Nemesis my new BFF.
Daltongirl, Before is right about the street I'm talking about, but that doesn't negate your brilliant irony. And I have to wonder how many legislative meetings you've been to where people have made suggestions just. like. that with a straight face.
Sorry, STM. I get what you mean now. And I never thought you hate wheelchair people even when I did misunderstand you. :-)
Before, yes. It's moving from the friendly to the unfriendly parts of town that drive me nuts.
Bring it, Mary!
In my defense, I was tired enough to not be sure of the humour. :)
Hmm, you actually make me miss home. At least there are hills to challenge you--you could be stuck in a sea of cornfields in central IL. And find yourself facing sidewalks that suddenly end, or have cobblestones, or don't exist.
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