Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Thing About Handicapped Parking


If you've been a follower of this fascinating weblog then you know that the MAFW is an observer of many situations and problems that would otherwise go unnoticed. One such problem is handicapped parking.

Everyone knows that handicapped parking is a good idea and helps millions of folks patronize businesses that they normally wouldn't. The handicapped parking spot is great because it allows the disabled to get as close as possible to a business without actually driving inside.

But, here's the problem: Once they have finished their shopping and returned to their vehicles there isn't any place for them to return the shopping cart. I'm talking about large parking lots. Most cart returns begin at least six parking spaces down from the handicapped spots. The person is forced to choose between a spot close to the door and a spot close to the cart return.

Ever wonder why there are so many shopping carts at the beginning of a row and not in the return area? That might be the reason.

Wouldn't it be more helpful if they built a cart return area before the handicapped spaces?

Anyhow, the next time you're out in one of those large parking lots, check it out and see how close the cart return area is to the disabled parking spots. And if you notice someone trying to decide which way to go with the cart, offer to take it inside for them. You'll make their day and probably yours, too!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with this problem of cart returns so far from handicapped parking. I am handicapped and usually grab one of those carts to go into the store and leave it where I found it when I come back out!! You'd think they would figure it out one of these days!!!

Ellen said...

You are so right! I have a handicap sign because of so many back surgeries and the pain it causes me to walk far. I generally shop only where I can use carts in order for me to have something to hold on to. By the time I'm finished shopping, I'm usually in a lot of pain. I do my best to put the shopping cart where it goes, but sometimes I just can't, then I feel guilty, especially because I don't "look" handicapped. I'm always waiting for someone to yell at me for being in a handicapped spot even though I have the placard.

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