Create A Lift Zone
| Apr 21, 2006 | Comments 4
For those who may not know what a lift zone is- It’s the area off to the side of a parking space that is reserved for wheelchair accessible vans. The “lift zone” is reserved for the space required by the van lift or ramp which allows the wheelchair user to access and exit the vehicle.
Lift zones come with two inherent problems. First off, many businesses do not like the idea of dedicating valuable parking real estate in their already hard pressed parking lots. I know, ADA, codes, fines, loss of sales, bad P.R., and lots of other compelling reasons. Secondly, many of our fellow motorists think that these lift zones are really convenient places to park their small cars and motorcycles. They actually are since most of these zones are less competitive and often closer to store entrances. But then again, isn’t that the idea?
One of the major frustrations for the accessible van user is coming back to find a vehicle parked in the lift zone of their parking spot. Trapped, frustrated, and pissed-off probably describes the experience nicely. I guess you can toss in helpless for good measure since there is no real way to quickly and easily resolve this on your own.
Possibly the solution to this problem can be found in that old saying about “An ounce of prevention is worth more…”. While it weighs somewhat more than an ounce, the Lift Zone Cone is a cool self-help and advocacy tool. Just plop this scarecrow down and go about your business. Unless of course someone thinks that it’s so cool that they borrow or commandeer it while you are shopping.
A neat value added feature is the ability to create your own lift zone on the fly. Position it in the standard parking spot next to your van and create short term compliance for the business and a lift zone all in one shot. You will have peace of mind in knowing that you will be able to escape quickly after chewing out the management over their lack of handicap parking. There’s nothing like Taking Action on the issues.
You can find information on the Lift Cone Zone on the TS Inc. web site.
Too true! I find that here in the Northeast these zones are where plows and the like decide snow should be piled shoulder high and where shoppers leave their shopping carts during the rest of the year. grrrr…..
*p.s. I clinked on the above “Taking Action” link and the picture of the boy holding the large red baseball bat caught my eye. ‘Now that’s the idea!’ I thought!
Now Mumpy, are you proposing violence as a solution? That concept keeps coming up more and more lately.
Nah, I suppose not. Although somedays I am tempted to break out with some Mumpy “cane-fu” moves.