LETTER

Reply: Motorized wheelchairs and sidewalks

 

Some of us handicapped are very limited in our ability to leave our residences.  A motorized wheelchair is a tremendous benefit. It gives us a great relief to have a little independence. We can shop, eat out, etc. without having to rely 100 per cent on a caregiver. At times, we are forced to use the roadways.  The problem is no sidewalks, or the sidewalks are unusable as most are made from approximately 4' X 4'  poured concrete slabs, which are very uneven as the slabs, over time, shift their position. Cyclists, pedestrians and children are relegated to using the roadways.

Motorized wheelchairs are required to have a flag on a 5' pole, headlights, and taillights. Motorists have to become more aware of sharing the road and allowing us the bit of freedom a wheelchair does allow us.

Bob Hodgins
Aylmer