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The Thing About Handicapped Parking


Throughout my lifetime I have become 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.

Maybe the designers of the parking lots don't know any disabled folks or think that just because they are disabled they wouldn't be purchasing anything more than a loaf of bread and a gallon of milk?

Wouldn't it be more helpful if they built a cart return area before the handicapped spaces? I know, what a brilliant idea! Unfortunately, I don't know any parking lot designers so I guess the disabled will just have to make do.

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!
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Comments

Wanda said…
I left a very long comment praising you and belittling the idiots but the comment block ate it. Can I put the parking lot designers in here so they will be eaten also?
May 31, 2012 at 6:40 AM
Rose A. Valenta said…
I like the lots that are built on a hill. If you have perfect aim and shop there all the time, you learn to just shove it.
May 31, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Sharon said…
G,
Great insight. You should rent yourself out to design firms just to point out these things. Someone once said the law just says stores, etc must be accessible, not convenient.
May 31, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Gianetta said…
Wanda- Let's round those designers up; they need to be told a thing or two!
May 31, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Gianetta said…
Rose- That's true until you get the cart that I had last week; damn thing kept rolling to the left. It's a wonder I got out of the place casue I kept going in a circle.
May 31, 2012 at 1:11 PM
Gianetta said…
Sharon- I think I heard that same saying too! Maybe I should start a consulting business.
May 31, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Bob said…
Great idea. Now find the right person to speak with. Disabled people all over America will thank you.
June 6, 2012 at 10:44 AM
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