Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Do we have any self-transportation options? (self.Blind)
submitted by Mesh1202
I barely turned 18 about 3 weeks ago, and I've been bummed about the fact that I'm never going to be allowed to drive on account of being legally blind. I felt the need to go grab something from the store just now and I had to push myself through a 45 minute walk! It would've taken only 5 minutes to get there by car.
This is ridiculous! I want to get a job or visit my friends more but my whole family's busy a lot of the time and they can't stop what they're doing just to drop me off. Thankfully I could still see well enough to mostly get around without a cane, so I'm thinking about asking my dad for a bike but he seems worried I'm going to get myself runned over. There's no bus stop near my house (I think the closest one is 15 minutes away on foot), the routes kind of suck really badly, and the times they come around tend to be too early or too late.
How do you guys deal with this?
This is ridiculous! I want to get a job or visit my friends more but my whole family's busy a lot of the time and they can't stop what they're doing just to drop me off. Thankfully I could still see well enough to mostly get around without a cane, so I'm thinking about asking my dad for a bike but he seems worried I'm going to get myself runned over. There's no bus stop near my house (I think the closest one is 15 minutes away on foot), the routes kind of suck really badly, and the times they come around tend to be too early or too late.
How do you guys deal with this?
Mamamagpie 17 points 1y ago
That was pretty much my hometown, without the bus. I went to college at the other end of the state and went with friends when they went shopping. I felt like child needing a ride to my internship. After college I moved out of state to Lon Island, NY, which had lots of public transportation and I was living with a girlfriend with a car.
I’ve moved several times since then, always looking for places with a good walk and public transportation score.
Where I live now I can walk to almost every thing. There is New Jersey Transit buses, trains, and light rail. I can get to NYC by bus, train, PATH (a subway under the Hudson River), and ferry. My city even has shuttle buses.
So in short, my sight went bad when I was 15. I’m 52 and the one suggestion I know will work is move some place walkable with transportation options.
I’ve moved several times since then, always looking for places with a good walk and public transportation score.
Where I live now I can walk to almost every thing. There is New Jersey Transit buses, trains, and light rail. I can get to NYC by bus, train, PATH (a subway under the Hudson River), and ferry. My city even has shuttle buses.
So in short, my sight went bad when I was 15. I’m 52 and the one suggestion I know will work is move some place walkable with transportation options.
No-Satisfaction7842 10 points 1y ago
Based on that description, I’m guessing you live in a suburban area? That’s tough. I’m not sure where you are, but especially here in the states and Canada, the suburbs were specifically designed not to be walkable. They totally cater to drivers, making anybody who doesn’t or can’t drive feel like a prisoner. Uber and Lyft might be options but of course that gets expensive really quick. Since you’re 18, are you thinking about moving away for college or other pursuits anytime soon? That would be your opportunity to do research on the walkability and public transit of wherever you end up going. I was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in a medium size city with excellent public transit and many walkable areas but I worked in the suburbs and it was a pain in the ass getting around out there on foot so I get it
TheLoneViking 9 points 1y ago
Unfortunately that's how it goes. Walking, public transit, and ridesharing services (e.g., Uber) are my big 3. I'd recommend getting comfortable with all forms of public transit (buses, trains, planes). When I was younger I'd often walk hours and take complex daisy-chains of public transit to get to where I needed to go. Nowadays I'll just pay an Uber 90% of the time. It's expensive, but what I save in time and mental/emotional effort/energy is worth it.
I'd also recommend using technology to it's fullest for outsourcing would be excursions, e.g , instacart for grocery deliveries, ordering household items/necessities off Amazon (as much as I dislike Amazon). I realize a lot of this comes with a price tag and isn't practical for everyone, but it's the best I got.
I'd also recommend using technology to it's fullest for outsourcing would be excursions, e.g , instacart for grocery deliveries, ordering household items/necessities off Amazon (as much as I dislike Amazon). I realize a lot of this comes with a price tag and isn't practical for everyone, but it's the best I got.
Revolutionary_Cod460 6 points 1y ago
Bring on self driving. Saying that though. Use the money you save on a car to spend a bit more on living in a central location. We don’t have a car, but are within walking distance of schools, shops, shopping centres, parks ETC. we also live on a bus route into the city centre. The decision will cost more upfront but is more economical in long run.
[deleted] 6 points 1y ago
[deleted]
thatawkwardcosplayer 5 points 1y ago
If you’re in TX, check out the rural bus program! It’s only about $1-2 each way if you’re disabled. It’s $3 otherwise. And you have to call 48h in advance irc but you can get tickets for free from the work force for work as well.
OutWestTexas 2 points 1y ago
I came here to say this.
howwedo420 1 points 1y ago
The only bus system in the part of Texas I live (central) we have the HOP, but they only will pick you up at a designated area. That is cameron Tx if you live in the rural area. You can only used if you have dialysis at Scott and white.
I wish there was a ride share only the blind and disabled could use.
I'm having extreme difficulty finding work. I had a job at TTEC living in town but had to quit because I wasn't allow to use all my assistive technologies. Now living out in the middle of nowhere with my dad who is elderly and don't like driving.
I wish there was a ride share only the blind and disabled could use.
I'm having extreme difficulty finding work. I had a job at TTEC living in town but had to quit because I wasn't allow to use all my assistive technologies. Now living out in the middle of nowhere with my dad who is elderly and don't like driving.
505Griffon 3 points 1y ago
I understand your situation but am much older. I do still ride my bike when I don't feel like walking somewhere. I was looking at a electric scooter/moped or ebike that doesn't require a license. Getting approval from my wife is going to be the hard part.
delsystem32exe 0 points 1y ago
all electric scooters / bikes in the US need not require a license.
blindworrell 1 points 1y ago
Not true.
1. It depends on the county/city/states law.
2. Gas powered scooters have to be under 49cc in size.
1. It depends on the county/city/states law.
2. Gas powered scooters have to be under 49cc in size.
delsystem32exe 1 points 1y ago
I said electric Never mentioned gas. County and city Can’t conflict with State laws. State laws everywhere allow ebike in the us
blindworrell 1 points 1y ago
There is many things to look at. Electric bikes in MT can’t go over 20mph before restrictions come into play. Gas is simply another option. Lighten up.
rkarl7777 2 points 1y ago
Why is no one mentioning Uber, Lyft, or taxis? That would seem to be the obvious solution.
snimminycricket 2 points 1y ago
I ride a bike or an ebike. Depending on how much functional vision you have, it could be a good option. Most of my vision loss is middle-periphery, so I have okay central vision and okay outer peripheral vision, though that outer band is narrow so I don't rely on it. I feel safe riding because I wear a lot of reflective gear and have lots of headlights and taillights and reflectors on my bikes. The other thing that helps is to just be a ridiculously defensive rider. Take your time, stop at all crossings and make sure you have identified what the cars around you are doing or are about to do, and stick to sidewalks and bike paths as much as possible. Identify streets that have adequate bike lanes and use them as much as possible if you have to ride on the street. A rearview mirror also helps to keep an eye on cars around you. Basically just go slow and do whatever you have to do to stay aware, even if it means you stop a lot to look around. If you think you have enough vision to ride a bike, you should try it and see how you feel. It would greatly increase your independence and mobility.
lookbeforeyou_____ 2 points 1y ago
I absolutely agree with eve3rything stated above - my advice would be to save up and get a great bicycle as it will give you back your independence - if you vision is like mine, you are going to accidently run over things that you weren't supposed to, so durability in the bike is key - if possible get a bike with "fat tires" bc they are like an additional shock absorber and are normally super durable (resistant to thorns or "stickers" as we call them here in TX) bc normal tires are really just meant for road conditions and can have super thin rubber and can become a nightmare if you find yourself having to repair flat tires all the time...
Normally "fat bikes" are a bit pricy, but I personally find them to be the solution that allows me to be able to go to the gym/run some errands/do some LIGHT shopping/get to public transport - a fat bike is what gave me back my independence.
What the person said above is true though, all that reflective gear/lights/safety equipment is a MUST bc drivers are really looking for other vehicles on the road, a person riding a bicycle just doesn't compute to them sometimes and it is common for the vehicles to rush to get the right-of-way/continue their turn/parking lot maneuvering -
be careful my friend, keep your head up and you got this!!
Normally "fat bikes" are a bit pricy, but I personally find them to be the solution that allows me to be able to go to the gym/run some errands/do some LIGHT shopping/get to public transport - a fat bike is what gave me back my independence.
What the person said above is true though, all that reflective gear/lights/safety equipment is a MUST bc drivers are really looking for other vehicles on the road, a person riding a bicycle just doesn't compute to them sometimes and it is common for the vehicles to rush to get the right-of-way/continue their turn/parking lot maneuvering -
be careful my friend, keep your head up and you got this!!
snimminycricket 1 points 1y ago
Yeah, I lucked out and found a bike with airless tires - not tubeless, but airless. They are literally solid rubber. It makes for a slightly rougher ride because they're not as soft, but I will NEVER have to change a flat. I'm not sure if this is an option available to swap out on all bikes, but I know many bikes are compatible. And my ebike has the fat tires (plus tire armor - also something to look into because although it is an upfront investment it will save you many many replacement tubes).
driverguy8 2 points 1y ago
There are self driving cars, but I don't think they have all the bugs worked out of them yet. IE Tesla
No-Satisfaction7842 5 points 1y ago
Yeah and even when they are widely available to the general public, I imagine there will still be a requirement that a capable driver be present in case something goes wrong. I love the idea of having my own self driving car someday but I’m not sure it will happen in my lifetime
PriorVacation7 1 points 1y ago
Do you know how developed your biking and pedestrian infrastructure is? The quality of the sidewalks and bike lanes is a big factor. 15 minutes to/from the bus is definitely doable, albeit aggravating. I sometimes will just listen to my book on walks like that to help pass the time.
WorldlyLingonberry40 1 points 1y ago
Where are you located? There are bus systems that provide transportation to people with disabilities. They go by different names, ParaTransit is one of these programs.
Ghoulseyesgirl1230 1 points 1y ago
look at Paratransit, that could be an option for you! (if you ever move to where there is a bus stop)
princesspooball 1 points 1y ago
Are there Paratransit buses in your area?
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