WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
The Walls are ancient, but access for people with disabilities is a priority.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
Because Ávila is built on a steep hill, the best way to reach the accessible portion of the Medieval walls is arriving by car or an adapted taxi. Exiting directly to the Puerta del Puente is recommended to avoid steep inclines from the upper city center.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
On top of the ancient defensive walls,
the accessible pathway is mostly flat with some cobblestones.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
The Avila walls visitor reception area is connected by an accessible route and has manual wheelchairs available to borrow.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
Once at the top of some of the best preserved city walls in Europe, disabled visitors can enjoy a flat, 100-meter stretch of the battlement walk.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
WHAT’S YOUR MODERN CITY’S EXCUSE FOR FAILING TO REMOVE BARRIERS TO MOBILITY AND ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES?
An accessible portion of its famous city walls can be reached by ramp and elevator.
https://www.avilaturismo.com/en/organize-your-visit/avila-is-everyone
SAVING LIVES IS ESSENTIAL
I am begging Miami Mayor Eileen
Higgins to take swift action to collaborate with Miami-Dade County to reduce
unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
A Miami Herald story this week
documented that greater Miami is one of the most dangerous places for
pedestrians in the entire U.S.
I have supported and voted for Higgins
since she ran for elected office in the County.
I attended her kickoff meeting when
she successfully ran for mayor.
She has given me a proclamation for my
artistic work to support historic preservation.
I now call on my fellow believer in public service and colleague
to take decisive action.
A Chief Mobility Officer could save
lives and increase safe mobility for all.
A city executive focused on stopping pedestrian
deaths and severe injuries would be especially valuable for vulnerable
residents who are disabled, elderly or very young.
More than 1/3 of Miamians cannot or do
not drive.
That makes for a large constituency
that would benefit from wide, unobstructed sidewalks, stiff fines for cars that park on them, longer better protected crosswalks and street redesign that slows down our dangerous drivers and protects mobility by foot, wheelchair or bike.
I suggested the Chief Mobility Officer
position (full disclosure: yes, I would be interested in being the humble public servant who
takes on this noble role) at the outset of 2026.
But I have yet to hear from our city's progressive mayor.
Sorry that the Miami Herald chooses to keep this life safety story behind a subscription pay wall -- but you can get the gist from the free video at this link:
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/traffic/article316075848.html
