It is the right thing to do and we are compassionate and caring

 

 

Loveland schools, businesses, and city officials: you can do better. Educate, communicate, and enforce. Tools are available for educating the public about the need and use of these special (van accommodating) parking spots, and some great ideas have been presented here (Accessible parking; out of sight, out of mind, neglected and abused).

Fellow Loveland residents and visitors: WE can do better.

I'm probably preaching to the choir, but just in case a few scofflaws are still reading: imagine pulling into Nisbet Park and immediately seeing two vans pull into the spots on either side, within inches of your vehicle, making you a virtual prisoner as their drivers headed off for a multi-hour bike ride/shopping/dining/concert/show/visit with friends/soccer game/etc. OR - think about how mad you are when the ONE spot left in a lot or garage is partially filled by sloppy parking jobs on one or both sides, rendering it tantalizingly useless for anyone but a motorcyclist. Isn't that infuriating??? How about when that really tall guy sits RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU in a nearly empty movie theater?

This is absolutely a black and white issue of clear legal rights, and I fully support engaging our law enforcement officers 110%, especially in flagrant violations (clear signage/pavement marking, vehicle lacking accessible parking placard/plates).

But wouldn't we all rather live in a community where we show respect and understanding for folks like Timmy and their families because it is the right thing to do and we are compassionate and caring, not because we are afraid of getting a ticket? Wouldn't it be better if police officers never had any opportunity to issue tickets for these violations?

I generally feel that it is not for any of us to judge whether that person with the accessible placard hanging on the rear-view window at Kroger or the mall is "really" a person with a disability; but in cases like the example given here it is hard to maintain that non-judgmental stance. People like the two women bikers/shoppers who abuse the privilege of the accessibility placard (even if they had the legal right to use it, they obviously didn't need to) should be ashamed of themselves, because their actions undermine the credibility of others' legitimate medical and physical needs and limitations. It also shares an unspoken message: "I don't care about you."

Just as our children in the Loveland schools are taught not to bully - and to stand up to bullying when they see it happening to others - we adults should respect designated accessible parking and other access spaces/areas and advocate for those whose rights and needs are violated. We need to take personal responsibility for one another, including challenging those we see violating accessibility laws or even exercising thoughtlessness (like the people blocking Timmy's view at the football game).

Whether active or passive, tolerating and permitting this type of thoughtless disregard for others makes it seem OK, which reduces ALL of us.

(The author of this column wishes to remain anonymous.)