I live in the beautiful and vibrant city of York.  A place that is full of history, culture, and art.  With streets full of cafes, restaurants, bars, and pubs.  Shops galore.  As a powerchair user, I have always accepted some of York will be inaccessible to me. There are many historic buildings with narrow doorways and steps (like the city walls).  However, I’m truly disappointed to now find I am no longer welcome to easily visit those places I have previously loved.  York City centre has been pedestrianized in the name of preventing terror attacks and consequently blue badge parking in York has been closed.

Why I need a blue badge

I’ve been a blue badge holder most of my life as I use a powered wheelchair to go everywhere outside my home.  I have poor functional use of all 4 of my limbs. This has never just been given to me, in my early life this need was regularly assessed by a medical professional.  These days the assessment takes into account state benefits which are only awarded after expert medical verification.

Needing a power chair lets me get on with life

My physical disability has never held me back and I love doing all the things my peers do. I chose to remain living in York after my degree at the University of York because I enjoyed living in the city. I love eating out, having tea at Betty’s, or meeting friends for a drink.  Going to the cinema and theatre, absorbing the history of our great city.  I’ve been proud to live in a city that has been so welcoming, a Human Rights City, that promoted equality. A home environment that I’ve found to be accessible and inclusive.

Getting into York to enjoy all these gifts has until recently been straightforward.  I have an adapted van that my personal assistant drives.  I can get easily into the van with my power wheelchair and the wheelchair is tied down for safety.  Once in town we find an accessible parking space close to where I need or want to go. Something that has changed with the ban on blue badge parking around Blake Street, Lendal, and Goodramgate.

A reliance on technology

Distance is important, especially in the winter months or wet weather.  No one wants to sit on wet cushions if the heavens open. I’m tech-reliant for everyday communication, my electronic communication aid is mounted on my chair. I also rely on hearing aids.  These are essential tools of daily living and neither my communication aid nor my hearing aids can be exposed to rain or excessive dampness.  I’m always prepared with hats and covers, but there is only so long you can risk exposure in inclement weather.

The need to avoid getting cold and wet

I get cold easily so I don’t dilly dally but even getting out of the van takes several minutes before I then start driving to my destination. Sitting still in a chair is very different to walking, the cold seeps into your bones more quickly. When I come into York I always have a plan, to get to my destination quickly and without delay.  Once I’m cold my bodily functions deteriorate quickly, I move more jerkily and slowly, meaning it takes longer for me to just get from A to B.

During Covid, I didn’t come to York because I was staying safe.  First, like many other disabled people, and then to ensure I remained fit and healthy to compete in the Tokyo Paralympics. Since returning to a more social life I’ve been stunned about how difficult it is to access York.  What might be a 5-minute walk for someone ambulant is easily a 10-minute stop and start weave for me.  With parking being pushed further out of town I’ve found myself soaked to the skin, frozen, and even late for appointments when I cannot park.

Taking your life into your hands

The pavements, dropped kerbs and cambers don’t make things easy.  At times wheelchair travel can even be scary outside of the main area of the city centre. You can take your life in your hands to cross the road on Peasholme Green. Alternatively, try risking slipping on the narrow pavement on St Mary Gate or needing to drive in the road to get in/out of Bootham Row.

The main council carparks are well outside the distance I can easily manage. Having investigated those closest to the city centre I’m unable to use some because of the height restrictions in place. For instance Coppergate.

Travel by bus

When I was in my teens I used to use the bus regularly, accompanied by a personal assistant.  That is, until one day when the bus had to make an emergency stop.  My 130kg chair, with me in it, flew across the bus crashing into an upright post.  This broke my chair and in the process I tore ligaments in my hand when my fingers were forced apart by the impact.  This was a very scary experience but luckily only I was badly hurt, and no one else. It could easily have been so much worse. Since then, I have refused to go on a bus without wheelchair tie-downs.  Something not provided on public transport in this country.

Even then there is only one wheelchair space on most buses, so if it’s in use (or there is a pram in it) we can be refused entry onto the bus.  Imagine needing to wait even though the bus is half empty because there is no space for you.  This also ties back into getting cold and wet, waiting at the bus stop can be a challenge when the weather is inclement.

Alternative transport

Taxis are not always a viable option sadly.  Many wheelchair taxis are not big enough to take my chair. The most easily accessible ones are bigger vans used for school runs. That means they are usually not available at short notice or at key times of the day.  I once travelled to London on a Sunday (having to stay in a hotel) because I couldn’t get a taxi for the train from York at 9 am on a Monday.  The Dial a Ride service might suit some people but I lead a busy life.  Like most people, I don’t always want to go to set places and I like to be spontaneous. Again, pre-booking transport only works when you are able to pre-plan your journey.

Getting into town (and out) before 10.30 am or after 8 pm

I wish! Like many people, I rely on having personal assistants to help me in every aspect of my life. Even with this assistance, everything takes much longer than for other people.  And, then there are staff shift changes to work around, sadly this can curtail my flexibility for early mornings and late nights.

This isn’t a moan, more a statement of things I have to consider every time I want to shop, eat out, attend an appointment or socialise. The impact of the blue badge ban in York has just been added to the list of considerations. All I want is to have the same ability to be free to choose where I go, and when, like every other resident and tourist who wants to visit York.