to think not folding a buggy to make way for a wheelchair user on a bus is despicable?

[Zara1984]

Just watching Channel 4 news here and a focus piece on public transport accessibility for disabled people.

Apparently one of the biggest users for wheelchair users is parents with buggies not folding them to make way for wheelchair users. This startled me - surely there are not really parents out there who refuse to fold down their buggies to make way for a person in a wheelchair??? Seriously? What kind of twat does that?

AIBU to think that any parent who does this is not a nice human being?

Does this actually happen???

Maryz

Because they're so much less important - clearly!

Why dont we all WRITE TO THE BUS COMPANIES AND OUR MPS and ask for seats to be removed on buses - to create LOTS of space for lots of buggies and wheel chairs - and of course if the capacity isnt taken, people can still use the space by standing.....

Re the "greater need" debate, this could be taken much further, why wait for the oldies in the check out queue? Surely we could open up a dialogue with them too....who has the greater need to get thier shopping done faster?

We could engage in some face time with them about it?

Maybe all these companies should have a negotiator to " open up dialogue" in all areas of life, such as in a resatruant, why put the oldies at a table first when they have no where to go and rush back too.....but of course us parents may need to get back to relieve a baby sitter...may have a sick child...or in a loo queue, have attendants weighing up who has greater loo need....

Yes Sauvignon you have hit the nail on the head. That's EXACTLY what everyone is saying. Anyone who is expressing a different point to yours is prejudiced against people with disabilities. That comment is nearly as stupid as the thread deleted by MN about people being jealous of people in wheelchairs. Everyone as a human being is as important as the other, noone more so. In 99% of cases people would get off or fold up their buggy. The other thread that all these threads have started from came from a woman with two small babies and a toddler. Exceptional situation.

I have in the past folded buggy on crowded bus, given up seat for elderly people, moved bags, kids, buggy so wheelchair user could get into their space on the train.

Friendly 'can do' attitude, asking for help with holding baby or folding buggy isn't a problem really, this is public transport you have to accommodate each other and buggies are designed to fold for a reason.

I think the drivers could be much more helpful though - I have had small children knocked to the ground by sudden braking on a busy bus, I have missed my stop because I could not grab buggy, children and bags in time to push through the crowds to get off. In a wheelchair it must be a nightmare.

But yes two babies and a toddler is exceptional - just one of those situations really where no one really wins.

When I need to use bus with the non folding pram I always leave extra time! It isn't even about wheelchair users - I rarely see one on the buses I use. The main problem I have is that the space is already full of buggies (normally the folding kind!). This is a particular problem at school drop off and pick up time so I always assume I'm going to have to let at least 3 buses pass before I manage to get on.

If I see someone trying to get on with a non folding buggy or a sleeping child I always fold the buggy to make space

People seem very wrapped up in themselves. But unless they rip all the seats out of the lower deck there is always going to be a scarcity of space and people need to be as considerate as possible

Where's the 'possible'?

Really? Babies don't melt you know

And at least your baby has a raincover and a footmuff in bad weather. As far as I know, they wheelchairs don't come with those

The length of time it takes to walk to and from the bus stop from my house is probably as long as i'd have to wait for another bus.

I would hope that anyone who uses London buses would get off as the sign clearly says the area is only to be used by buggies if it is not needed by a wheelchair

Colds are caused by a virus not the actual cold. Given how crowed buses are and a general lack of hygiene your baby is more likely to catch a cold on the bus than by being walked out in the fresh air.

These threads give me a right sad.

Here's what to do:
write to your MP/MSP/MEP, local bus company and pram manufacturers... put forward your point of view... stop being mean to each other.

kaithanxbai

No, wheelchair users don't melt. Some are more prone to infection. Some are prone to hypothermia.
You were right with your first post.
Why did you bother to post? Just to stir it up a bit more. If your view is you're not doing it because you're a selfish bitch (your words, not mine) why bother?

I would never get on a bus with a pram that's difficult to fold. I always use a lights travel buggy. Used a sling when my three were tiny.

I am AMAZED that no one seems to care about the bus company creating this problem for its customers....

Lets all ask them to remove more seats, and create more buggy/wheel chair space and aSK THEM to make sure drivers are more helpful adn accomodating when diablsed - elderly - mums etc come on the bus.

Its the bus company who is ultimatly at fault here!

OP, YANBU.

But Eliza what about all the pensioners who want to sit down and can't get upstairs? Or the people with mobility problems but no using a wheelchair? Doi you make them stand?

I think buggies should be banned from buses (only joking)

Is it a virtue to be honest about holding selfish and unpleasant views?

Would you applaud someone who said 'i might be racist but at least I am honest about it?'

CanIhave
I really, really hope you catch the stroppy driver that chucks you off in the pissing rain. I wouldn't wish that on many people, but as I said before, you only came on the thread to stir it up a bit more.