Read this. Politicians don't get it - especially those who are in favour of cycling and limiting car traffic. I have a very mild physical disability with my legs. I can walk about 200 meters without my walking stick. I'm not seen as disabled enough to get a blue badge for my car which I depend on. - ThreadSky

socmot.bsky.social • 88 days ago

Read this. Politicians don't get it - especially those who are in favour of cycling and limiting car traffic. I have a very mild physical disability with my legs. I can walk about 200 meters without my walking stick. I'm not seen as disabled enough to get a blue badge for my car which I depend on.

Reposted from Catherine Gallagher

I've largely stayed 🤫 during #GE24 as my energy needs to be prioritised on other commitments. While disability, arguably, has never been more prominent as a concern in an election here before, there was a massive missed opportunity in how it has been framed across the board 1/4

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socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

For me, not having a car and not being able to use a disabled space impacts on my autonomy, my ability to interact socially. I can't cycle and taking the bus or the train is mostly not a runner, unless I'm guaranteed parking close to a bus or train stop. And I'm not unless it's after 6pm at night.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

To finish on this, I have to use taxi's more than most as I can't park close by to where I need to go. Want to go to a work do? 25 quid each way for a taxi please! Go to the pub after a work do for a few drinks this Christmas? Either walk and it hurts, or another taxi! The abled never think of this.

catherinegallagher.bsky.social•88 days ago

Thanks for sharing, Tom. I'm really sorry to hear this. I am surprised to hear you've been unsuccessful in getting a blue badge. It is grossly unfair.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

I used to have one - then the rules got changed. Amputees driving modified cars only apparently. Being forced to drive an automatic isn't enough. It should be graded. I don't need tax of my petrol or VAT off my car for example, I don't need that level of support. But a badge would be fantastic.

mhantain.bsky.social•88 days ago

Disappointing to see the targeting of cyclists as 'the enemy'. Many cyclists are strong advocates for safe independent travel for all, including people with disabilities. Vehicles on footpaths and cycle lanes are a major impediment and serious risk for many people with disabilities.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

I get that cyclists have their own challenges but for me, they are fundmentally abled bodied people with full autonomy and associated freedom of expression and have no clue whatever of what disabled people have to put up with.

piglet.bsky.social•88 days ago

i am a disabled cyclist. hello!

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

You're the first one I have ever met!

mhantain.bsky.social•88 days ago

There's lots of cyclists with disabilities, with their bike as their mobility aid, like Christy Keeley (see article), Mary Caulfield (https://x.com/SusanTheSilent). Lots of cyclists have family or friends with disabilities too. Honestly, you've picked the wrong enemy.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/exercise-pays-back-the-effort-1.946217

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

It's great there are disabled cyclists out there. But the problem with cyclists that I have are with the able bodied cyclists - who have either been dismissive or indifferent about those who depend on cars. That's my experience. If you don't like it, I'm sorry.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

I have lost count of being told by cycling advocates to use a bike or public transport and told that bikes are more important than cars - with disabled drivers and their needs disregarded even after it being explained. Hence my attitude.

mhantain.bsky.social•88 days ago

That really doesn't sound like any of the debates I've come across. It's not about who is more important, it's about how car-centric planning has destroyed cities, communities and climate, and we need better options.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

Can I ask, have you a disability Rob?

mhantain.bsky.social•88 days ago

Permits aren't limited to amputees, but are limited to those who can only walk 'very short distances'. Your point about some grading makes sense. Maybe colleagues could be persuaded to choose accessible social venues, including parking for those who need it? https://www.ddai.ie/parking-permit/who-qualifies

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

When I tried to re-apply as a disabled driver I was pretty much told I'd never be granted status. I might get the badge for parking eventually. But being forced to drive an auto (and thereby being denied autonomy to choose) will never matter.

I have a disability and I'm not seen as "deserving".

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

I applied a couple of years ago by the way. Told I wasn't disabled enough. I intend to try again.

socmot.bsky.social•88 days ago

It's very hard to persuade colleagues when they are many and you are but one person.

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