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At the risk of wading into the debate about whether a private car-free Manhattan would be good or bad for people with disabilities, it's worth remembering some cities have already done this, to varying degrees. Let's look at what they have done.
For example, Oslo has been transitioning to a car-free city for years via a gradual removal of parking spots and increased restrictions on vehicular access. But, to promote accessibility, it has converted formerly regular parking spots to ones only for people with disabilities.
In fact, I'm struggling to find an example of a city that is "car free" in a substantial area that completely restricts vehicle access, 100%. There are typically always exceptions, either for residents or permit holders of various types, including those with accessibility needs.
Yes, the article should have been specific about how it would promote accessibility, if for no other reason than because it would have made it a stronger work; I believe there are good arguments why a private car ban would be a positive development for people with disabilities.
But bickering on this here website about whether #bancars is ableist accomplishes nothing. 1. Nobody's banning cars any time soon. 2. Every city that is working towards it does so gradually, with lots of exceptions, including those for people w/ accessibility issues.
People w/ disabilities & advocates have good reason to be wary new plans will not consider their needs; it is the historical precedent. But it is a more recent historical precedent that car-light districts promote accessibility for everyone, including those with disabilities.
On a final note, I'm interested to hear from people in Oslo or other cities with large car-free districts if there are accessibility issues there and, if so, how they have been addressed.
Another final note: I view #bancars is a lot like #DefundThePolice, a call to begin a transition to a more just and equitable society in which problems are addressed through a wider array of tools than a single blunt instrument that isn't working, not a literal immediate demand.
