Description

This is a great example of the problem. Most able-bodied people, like the mayor, will no doubt look at this and say the sidewalk is passable. The problem is that the ADA requires sidewalks to be at least 36 inches wide. The position of this bike leaves less than that distance. That it is only a few inches may seem inconsequential. But for someone in a wheelchair just an inch can make all the difference in the world in terms of accessibility. And that accessibility is guaranteed by federal law. The problem here is that city officials know full well that in one instance after another, these bikes are narrowing our sidewalks and impeding access by the disabled. Nevertheless they continue to defend this program and make all manner of excuses for it despite their knowledge that it is repeatedly impeding access for the disabled by effectively reducing sidewalk widths to less than minimum ADA standards. The contempt that these officials show for the rights of the mobility impaired is disgraceful.