First the Mayor went after the cigarettes and this was a good thing. The the trans-fats and super-sized drinks followed and there were mixed reviews Now, Mayor Michael Bloomberg is coming after the elevators but we say fix the subway system first.
What about disabled people and mothers with strollers? Are they not allowed to travel?
While City officials have announced a new initiative encouraging office workers to take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. We say many New Yorker’s specifically the disabled and women with strollers have no access to the subway system at all. So rather than create legislation proposed that all new buildings and buildings undergoing major renovation would be required to give occupants access to at least one stairwell, as well as post signs near elevators pointing to nearby stairs we think the subway should become accessible to all first.
Making people take the stairs should not be top priority.
Meanwhile, another bill would increase the visibility of stairwells by permitting the use of hold-open devices on doors that would close automatically in case of an emergency.
“Whether you’re tall or short, fat or thin, you’ll be healthier and you’ll live longer if you’re more active. But the problem is we’ve been lulled into a sedentary lifestyle,” said Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David Burney at a Manhattan press conference at The New School. In too many buildings, the stairs are hard to find, kept locked, armed with alarms, or dark and windowless–making people afraid to use them, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. The programs are designed to change that, he said.
Great David but in New York can you fix the subway system so that everyone has access?
.Mr. Bloomberg, who said he personally almost always uses the stairs–and doesn’t stand still when he’s on an escalator–said that part of the challenge was to make being active hipper for young people across the city. All good Mr. Mayor but think of those who are physically challenged first!
What do you think New York?
