Living with chronic osteoarthritis, I understand the challenges that come with navigating urban environments as a wheelchair user. The city of Plymouth, where I reside, has unfortunately fallen short in accommodating the needs of those who rely on wheelchairs for mobility. The poorly maintained footpaths and inadequately constructed dropped kerbs significantly hinder the freedom and independence of residents like myself and many others who deserve equal access to our city's spaces.

In Plymouth, the footpaths are often uneven, fractured, and occasionally impassable for those of us in wheelchairs or with mobility impairments. In various parts of the city, dropped kerbs – a crucial feature meant to facilitate smooth transit from street to pavement – are either unlevel, too steep, or entirely nonexistent. This poses not just a significant inconvenience, but also a potential safety hazard that can cause physical harm. According to Disability Rights UK, ensuring proper accessibility is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental human right.

A study by the University of Birmingham highlighted that poorly maintained infrastructure can significantly increase the risk of accidents for wheelchair users by up to 60%. Furthermore, the pedestrian environment should be a priority according to the HS2 Act, which emphasizes accessible standards as a community necessity. It's time for Plymouth City Council to take definitive action in improving the conditions of our city's footpaths and kerbs.

By upgrading the quality of Plymouth’s pedestrian infrastructure, not only will we provide immediate benefits to its current residents but also set a benchmark for inclusive community planning. This involves levelling uneven paths, constructing kerbs that provide a gentle gradient instead of abrupt transitions, and ensuring all future infrastructure development adheres to a strict accessibility guideline.

This is not merely about compliance with legal standards – it is about compassion, community, and doing what is right. An accessible Plymouth is an inclusive Plymouth where everyone can thrive.

Please join me in calling on Plymouth City Council to prioritize the accessibility needs of wheelchair users and work towards bringing our city’s footpaths and dropped kerbs up to an equitable standard. Sign this petition to make Plymouth a more inclusive place for all its residents.