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Accessible Cities | Traveling with Limited Mobility

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When you want to get out and explore on your set of wheels, planning ahead can make a big difference in your traveling experience. These destinations welcome and happily accommodate travelers with mobility needs.

01 Denver, Colorado

Denver is dedicated to providing fully accessible bus and light rail services. All RTD buses, including the free MallRide, are accessible for mobility devices. As an added bonus, drivers are trained to assist disabled passengers boarding or exiting the vehicle.

From Sled Hockey to Wheelchair Basketball, Denver offers a wide range of adaptive team sports. Not to mention, Coors Field – home of the Rockies – is one of the most accessible in the country.

If you prefer the arts, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts offers accessible seats for every show. (TIP: Box Office purchases made in person save you the 15% service fee).

Accessible Denver is a great resource to plan your visit.

02 San Francisco, California

Believe it or not, while Northern California may be compact and hilly in nature, San Francisco has three transit providers that are nearly barrier-free.

MUNI, SF’s municipal railway, has served citizens for over a century and offers a mix of accessible buses, trolleys, and streetcars. The Bay Area Rapid Transit – also known as BART – is committed to complying with all Federal Americans with Disabilities (ADA) regulations. All stations have an accessible elevator service to all levels and all cars have space to accommodate your wheels. Additionally, every Caltrain has at least one accessible car that can accommodate up to three wheelchairs or mobility devices.

Fisherman’s Wharf offers quite a bit of compact fun. A favorite is Ghiradelli Square where you’ll come for the chocolate but stay for the shopping and dining.

So, as much as there are still certain roadways and hills to avoid in San Francisco, getting around and enjoying the city by the bay can be a breeze if planned out correctly.

03 Boston, Massachusetts

Immerse yourself into American history while visiting beautiful Boston. The Freedom Trail – a 2.5 mile, red-lined route – leads you to 16 historically rich sites and is accessible to wheelchairs for its entire length.

Looking to scoot across the city? Go underground and use the MBTA, the oldest subway system in America. Download a map of barrier-free stations in advance of your trip to maximize efficiency.

If you’re a sports fanatic or just a historian, Fenway Park - the oldest stadium in baseball - is conveniently served by an accessible subway station. The Green Monster, a thirty-seven foot, two-inch high left field wall at the park, even features accessible spaces and elevator access. Check out Fenway Park’s website for a full access guide to make your experience most enjoyable.

04 Chicago, Illinois

If you fashion yourself a foodie, Chicago is your city. While some of the restaurants are either down or upstairs, a majority are accessible to mobility devices. A favorite is Gino’s East for delicious deep dish pizza.

The city features a somewhat compact and walk-(or wheel)-able downtown area. However, if you prefer public transportation, nine of the thirteen downtown train stations are equipped with elevators. Check out the Transit Chicago site for schedules and maps.

The best part? Most of Chicago’s main attractions – such as Navy Pier, Grant Park and the Willis Tower – are all accessible via mobility device like the Motivo Tour.

  

What are your favorite accessible cities to visit?

We’d love to hear from you in the comments or on Facebook + Twitter.

 

 

SOURCES:

http://www.newmobility.com/1997/12/10-disability-friendly-cities-where-to-live-and-why/

http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/11-03/wheelchair-friendly-cities-to-visit-now.html