These shoes are not made for walking on these streets.
While the phrase “Mind the gap” is known from the London Underground it applies here in Panama City and in many other places as well. My examples will come from Panama as that is my present location. In my last post I focused on looking up – this one points out the vital necessity of looking down.
A paused project outside a metro station.
Here neither driving nor walking are for the faint of heart. Most of this city has developed in the 20th century, with the automobile in mind. Having a car is certainly desirable to get out of the heat and back into a more comfortable environment as quickly as possible. However, I have no interest in renting a car and few of the taxis I have used have had accessible and functioning seatbelts in the back seat.
Many drivers view this as a nice option if you have the time.
Crossing the street is a risk in any urban area but especially so here. There are not many crosswalks and few have pedestrian lights. The rolling stop is a popular traffic manouver and drivers turning left often fail to slow adequately to protect pedestrians. I have been wishing I could turn my head 270 degrees like an owl.
Parking for those with disabilities is available in some areas.
In Panama City I have seen a number of parking spots set aside for people with disabilities and ramps at some crossings. However, navigating in a wheelchair would be impossible on most of the sidewalks due to uneven surfaces, high curbs, missing utility covers, etc. I have to assume the women I see out there in high heeled shoes are not walking far.
Pedestrian hazards abound.
Along the new Cinta Costera, elevated pedestrian crossings do allow a person to safely look up, down and all around while walking. I hope more such safety solutions can be created for pedestrians.
Pedestrian crossing over Cinta Costera.
Postscript: Just before I left Panama in early February 2016 I saw a newspaper article saying that during 2016 Panama City will be rebuilding the sidewalks of Via España, one of the main roads through the city at a cost of $99 million.