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Public Transportation
Unitrans buses, here in Davis, are extremely convenient to use. I took my first
trip today, using my cane. I had to transfer to another bus to finish my trip, but the bus came within minutes.
Quite a few of the stops have benches, which is helpful for the times one would have to wait more than 10 minutes.
In fact, buses come by every 20-30 minutes depending on which bus one needs.
The drivers waited for me to sit before starting to drive. They call out
timed stops. There were not many people on the bus, so the front seats were available. A wheelchair user got
on one of the buses I was on, the lift worked perfectly, and the driver straped him in without a huff. Everything went
smoothly.
Here in Davis, If you have a pocket full of quarters and a bus schedule, you
can go anywhere! And better yet, Unitrans has a pass available for the disabled and senior passenger, which reduces
the ticket from $.75 to $.25. This is a great deal. Don't be afraid to try, because everyone is quite helpful.
Grocery Stores
The grocery stores in Davis, in which I shop, are very accessible, especially at
the Safeway, 2121 Cowell Bl. There is plenty of convenient parking, cut out curbs for wheelchairs and wide aisles.
Also, the store provides two motorized wheelchairs for customers use. The store personnel are eager to assist.
I walk with my cane if we have just a few items to purchase and invaribly at least one employee will approach me and ask me
if I need one of the chairs.
The Nugget Market at Oaktree Plaza, 1414 Covell Bl. has an exceptionally
wide variety of products and is accessible. The handicap parking is limited, however there are plenty of spaces
available for those who do not require a wheelchair. This store also has cut out curbs, a walk way from the parking
lot to the store, wide aisles and a motorized chair. The produce section is a bit of a chore. Unfortunately, those
aisles are close together and when the employees are working in the area, it is difficult to maneuver. However it is
not a great hardship. All of the employees seem eager to help.
Please read an article I have written about this wonderful store.
UCD
For my first trip to the University I used my cane. Most of the sidewalks are
smooth and free of hazards. However, the campus is huge so if you have a problem with fatigue, you may want
to use a wheelchair.
The next few times I ventured on to campus, I took my chair and was surprised and
delighted at the ease in which I could get around. All of the buildings that I entered, Wellman, the Silo, and Social Sciences,
had wheelchair accessible entrees. In fact, I noticed the blue wheelchair symbols everywhere. I had no problems
what so ever.
The stop lights are vocal. There is a beeping sound for the crossing light
to aid those who do not see well.
The only hazard I am able to report are the bicycle riders. Davis is bicycle
country with the University as the capital. As pedestrians, even with our wheels, we should be mindful of
the fact that the bicycles have the right away. So, be careful and look both ways before crossing that road.
Davis is a very accessible city. If you encounter a problem, please
share your story with me.
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