OPINION & EDITORIAL
Poor plowing cuts off handicapped access
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by Letters to the Editor
Monday, December 10, 2007
As students, faculty and staff navigate their way to and
from classes after the first snowfall of the year and residents of Madison go
about their daily business, travel delays are to be expected. Longer walks to
campus buildings and backed up roads during high traffic flow may be acceptable
to those accustomed to winter in Wisconsin and have the means of
transportation, but for others this weather creates more than delays; it
hinders their ability to participate in their usual daily activities.
Persons with disabilities who rely on wheelchair-accessible
public transportation, sidewalks and curb ramps have experienced an array of
frustrations and difficulties in the aftermath of last week's snowfall. From
blocked bus stops and inaccessible ramps on street corners to the inability to
even leave their own apartment buildings or homes, it is apparent that snow
removal on both public and private levels in Madison is not happening. Persons
who are capable of walking to classes are experiencing dangerous walkways,
scattered with large blocks of snow and black ice. It would be nearly
impossible for persons with disabilities to navigate these sidewalks. Some have
resorted to traveling on roadsides while others remain stranded in their homes.
Because a lack of clean-up exists in our community, these Madison residents
must deal with more burdens and suffer greater consequences than most other
commuters in this city.
The response to our first snowstorm, after three days, is
unacceptable and needs to change. It is unjust and embarrassing to live in such
a progressive city yet know members of the community have been isolated from
their daily activities because of poor snow removal. There must be greater
awareness among the Madison officials, private landlords and campus facilities
to ensure accessibility needs for all persons are met.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 12:32am):
This is something that has been on my mind for a few weeks now and it's so true. Hats off to you being the one to raise this issue.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 12:49am):
As I myself slipped through the snow this week and climbed over snow banks where it was impossible to find a path, I too found myself thinking of those who cannot so easily climb over snow. I think a day delay is acceptable and something everyone of all physical abilities just has to deal with...but a week?
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 9:29am):
Well get off yer ass and DO SOMETHING!
I know that you all expect Daddy Government to fulfil your every need, but perhaps you could get out a shovel and help clear the snow to help the handicapped.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 11:46am):
Just look at all the lazy automobile owners who some are STILL, well over a week later, refusing to dig out their cars on the street... let alone shovel a sidewalk.
What is being done about either of these issues? A $30 dollar parking ticket or a small fine (if that) for not clearing the sidewalks. It's one thing if the owner of either is handicapped or elderly (which there should and I hear there are volunteer services to help them out with those situations), but for able people those cars should be towed and heavily ticketed and the landlords who own the unshoveled sidewalks should be crushed with fines considering the rent in the downtown area.
It's ridiculous that this is even an issue. This is Wisconsin, yea, it snows here. It snows here every year and it snows quite a few times.
NO SHIT!
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 12:42pm):
Caitlyn, next time you see a handicapped person stuck in a snow drift, ignore them and fire off a letter to the BH about it.
OR, just help 'em out. I don't know, just an idea.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 2:29pm):
I agree that something must be done. But don't just blame city officials, landlords, and campus facilities, think of all the "illegally" parked cars during snow emergencies that make it virtually impossible for the snowplows to even make somewhat of a mediocre effort plowing the streets.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 3:18pm):
Luckily, i can fly :)
-Toast
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 3:29pm):
salt salt salt salt salt
figure it out, city of madison
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 5:35pm):
"Well get off yer ass and DO SOMETHING!"
"Caitlyn, next time you see a handicapped person stuck in a snow drift, ignore them and fire off a letter to the BH about it."
What the hell is wrong with you people? Does it SOUND like Caitlyn isn't helping them?
Honestly, it sounds more like you two whiners should get off your own fat asses and do something to help rather than bitching and moaning at people who are obviously better than you.
Anonymous (December 10, 2007 @ 6:50pm):
9:29 and 12:42, you are both complete idiots. all she's trying to do is bring awareness to the situation. it is not her job nor is it feasible to clean off sidewalks that should have been clear days ago. if you're such saints, go grab some shovels and you two can clear the city.
Anonymous (March 8, 2008 @ 11:09am):
complainting Sidewalk coverd with snow needs to b e claerd and ice at 2029 fitchatary road inpossibile for hadicap people in mernue wheelchairs that need to get to and from the bus stop from portchlight hospatilty house.
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