Challenges on the Route
I like to go for a push to keep fit and enjoy the great outdoors. At the same time, I record some of my pushes for my YouTube Playlist, Wheelchair Pushing Diaries. Quite often, there are challenges on the route.
Challenges I Meet on the Way.
Wheelchair pushing diaries challenges on the route and what challenges I meet on the way. Bin day can be quite frustrating, particularly. However, the refuse collectors have a tough job; they are always on the go. So, I assume returning the bins sensibly, where they won’t be an obstruction, is the least of their worries.
Furthermore, on my pushes, I’ve caught up with and overtook several rubbish lorries at different times. During my most recent journey around Beaconsfield New Town, it happened to be rubbish collection day. Pushing down one road, I approached a waste collection vehicle, and the smell discharged from the rear of the wagon was extremely unpleasant. Subsequently, I take my hat off to the refuse collectors. Always having to advance towards the smell with waste bins regularly.
Cars on the path.
What really gets me annoyed are the cars parked on the path, especially when there is a big enough drive to park in. Parking on the path is illegal in London, and drivers should not do so elsewhere, although I can’t see how the authorities can enforce it.
Yet, if a car leaves enough room for me, or, for instance, someone pushing a pram to easily pass, then as the car is further out in the road, it will help slow traffic down. Furthermore, some drivers will say it’s an obstruction, but it’s an obstruction for me when blocking the path I’m travelling along.
Builders Vans
Wheelchair pushing diaries challenges on the route I often encounter builders’ vans blocking my way. Now, more frequently, as more people extend their homes. I don’t tend to get frustrated. These tradesmen have jobs and need their vans close to get equipment and to keep an eye on tools and other things stored inside. Unfortunately, there are a lot of tool thefts these days. Indeed, these skilled workers I have come face-to-face with, and having to decent a kerb to get around a van, are always apologetic and, I sense, feel awkward they have left the van blocking the path.
I can’t do anything about a builder’s van parked on the path creating a challenge. In brief, it’s quicker for me to negotiate an obstacle, like a kerb, to get around them than wait for them to move a van. That’s where my skills come in!
But some can’t
It must be tricky if you can’t negotiate kerbs or undulating terrain to get around the obstructions mentioned above; good verbal independence and politeness are good skills to have so you can be on your way.
Here’s what you can do about a vehicle parked on the path:
- Talk to the driver or owner of the vehicle. Explain that it’s causing an obstruction and ask them to move it. They may not realize the issue, and a polite conversation could resolve the problem.
- Contact the local council. They may have regulations about parking on the path, and they can investigate the issue and take action if necessary.
- Report the van to the police. If the van is causing a hazard or obstruction, you can report it to the police. They may be able to issue a ticket or tow the vehicle.
Here’s some information about the law regarding builders vans parked on the path:
- It is illegal to park on the path. This is because the path is for pedestrians, and parking on it obstructs their use of the path.
- There are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if the path is very wide and there is plenty of room for pedestrians to pass, it may be legal to park on it.
The penalties for parking on the path can vary.
The local council or police may issue a ticket, or they may tow the vehicle.
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