London 2012

I know for most you have World Cup on the brain.  But please remember that you have the Summer Olympic Games here in London in two years time.  And in case you didn't know, when you are awarded the Olympics you are also awarded the Paralympics--where athletes with physical disabilities compete after the Olympics.

This is all well and good, except that you begin to notice that London's public transportation system isn't so handicap friendly.  Mainly, the Tube has very few handicap accessible stops (e.g., elevators).  Most Tube stations, you have to climb a few stairs to get to the lift (as they call elevators) or escalators.  So what are these less-abled people to do in two years time?  Rely on driving when Central London is riddled with traffic, let alone a congestion charge during the working hours.  Perhaps they should take black cabs that charge an exuberant amount of money for the convenience of curbside transportation.  There's always the bus, but I don't think these buses kneel so those less-abled don't have to figure out how to get up that big step.

I'm sure the paralympians probably don't have to worry about transportation whilst in London.  But perhaps their less athletic counterparts will find it difficult to take part in being independent to transport themselves to observe these athletes.  Maybe London's public transport has a similar system in DC, where you can schedule special transportation if you are disabled.

However, I do often wonder how handicap Londoners get around.  I can't say that I have seen disabled people around.  I do see elderly, struggling up stairs as the youthful rush by.  Perhaps London is making a plan to be a bit more friendly in 2012.