If you’re able bodied* consider

NEVER using the handicapped stall in the public restroom. Remember, some of us NEED that stall and do not have a choice to use all the other ones, which you can use. Maybe you might have to wait but then when I come in, I have to wait too, and I don’t have an option.

NEVER standing in the curb cut/ramp bu standing next to it on the curb where you have to step down. Remember, some of us NEED that curb cut to get to the street and do not have a choice to use anywhere else at the intersection, but can only use that ramp to the/from the street to the/from the sidewalk.

NEVER blocking a curb ramp EVEN FOR A SECOND. Consider “I’ll just be a minute I only have to pick up my dry-cleaning/a latte/my photos” to be a bad idea since your blocking of the curb ramp means I end up out in the street where a car might hit me. Unlikely though that is, it might happen. Even if it doesn’t, you put me out in the street where I should not be, don’t want to be because I can’t get out of the way, because you want to pick up your take-out Chinese and can’t be bothered finding a space farther down the block even for five minutes.

Ditto the handicapped parking space, which for some of us, makes the difference between having the energy to go grab some groceries and not shopping at all. Here are lots of spaces, you’re right, so why not use one 10 feet away and leave those lovely spots close to the door for the person with a balance disorder, MS, heart condition, bad leg, bad lungs, WHATEVER. Consider not assuming you think the person is taking advantage because you don’t see the crutches. Yes, there are cheatsm, I know, I’ve heard all about it. Consider assuming that they are in the minority.

NEVER parking across the sidewalk even for a second. Because then I get to go BACK to the corner, and get into the street or cross over to the other sidewalk because I can’t use the sidewalk, because your vehicle is blocking it. And maybe across the street doesn’t HAVE a curb ramp. Don’t assume you know because you don’t. Every city is different and we mainly get curb ramps only when new construction goes in.

If you ride a bike, consider NOT locking it to the handrails of the stairs OR ramp since some people actually USE those handrails. And your bicycle on the ramp makes it difficult to navigate the ramp. TALK TO THE merchant about getting more/better bike racks but do not lock your damn bike to anything you see that is handy. THINK.

Can you tell what kind of day I had

*For purposes of this rant, “able-bodied” means you don’t happen to have little kids either since curb ramps, handicapped bathroom stalls etc. are very handy for parents with strollers and they get to use them too.