Can the anti-trail paving crowd please stop to consider there are many people who would love to use the trails that others love so much, but currently cannot?

As much as you think you are “protecting your rights”, you are denying access to so many.

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As much as you believe you understand the challenges disabled people face, you really don’t.

For example, I’ve seen many state that fine crushed stone is sufficient and “better for the environment”.

My rollator walker is a beast and can handle crushed stone, but...

Unfortunately it causes vibrations through my hands when pushing it along rough surfaces. These vibrations aggravate a vascular condition I have called Raynauds. It makes my fingers/hands turn white and causes neuropathic pain like my hands are burning from the inside out...

You probably didn’t consider that, because you don’t have a disability or multiple health issues, but many of us do. Many disabled people have a multitude of health issues that cannot be seen.

So when we say we know what is best for us (paved paths) you can believe it.

No one is trying to take away the paths you love to enjoy, but it would be nice if they were designed in a way that is accessible to all.

You may be annoyed or disagree with the decision to pave the path, but at the end of the day, you’ll still be able to use it, and so will we

There are many of us, with a multitude of reasons why crushed stone paths don’t allow access. You may not fully understand these reasons, but you don’t have to. All you have to do is listen and trust that we know what we need.

/end

If you want to support disabled folx, vote for government members who do as well.

Next election time, @CityofStJohns could use a great big heaping dose of @voteophelia. She know what’s up