Street-level hazards for vision impaired

I have great friends who‘ve been wonderful in helping me get where I need or want to go. MARTA has also served me very well over the years. My feet haven’t failed me yet, but I have to admit sometimes it has been quite a challenge walking around Atlanta.

I’ve had to walk in the street either because sidewalks do not exist, or because the ones that do exist are broken or uneven. I’ve also had to figure out how to cross streets where safe crossings don’t exist.

Because of the lack of funding for sidewalks in Atlanta, I deal with these issues on a regular basis.

The problem is that usually I don’t see these hazards until it‘s too late. Walking with friends helps. They are very good about informing me of the hazards in advance. But walking alone is a different story. I walk slower than I used to, so I can avoid tripping or rolling my ankle on a bad sidewalk, things I’ve done many times.

Some areas have made great progress in improving access for pedestrians, but more work is needed. Those parts of Buckhead, Midtown, downtown, Inman Park and the Old Fourth Ward, where new development has occurred, now have great sidewalks.

But in areas where development is not occurring, the city must do more and not rely on developers or property owners to solve the problem.

I’ve noticed over the years that more and more people are walking in Atlanta, both for transportation and for exercise. At times it almost feels like New York or Chicago in Midtown with all the people walking around. This is great. It makes the city feel alive and vibrant.

I want this to continue and for more people to discover the benefits of getting out of the car and walking. You experience your city in a more intimate way while on foot. This will only happen if more emphasis is placed on creating and maintaining our city’s pedestrian facilities.