Travel – Cane Adventures

Car Free Cities Risk Excluding Disabled People

October 5, 2019October 6, 2019 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

A busy platform. A train is visible with the doors open, it's full of people, more legs, bags and feet are crowded around the entrance trying to board the train. In the bottom middle of the photo a white cane rests on the floor, the roller ball poised just passed the tactile paving, pointing towards the yellow platform line and the busy train.

The world recently enjoyed Car Free Day and our timelines were treated to images of joyful cycling through streets, yoga on the roads & enthusiastic pedestrians strutting down the highway. Alongside this celebration, a recent report by think tank Common Wealth called for a car free London by 2030, but only mentioned disabled people once.… Continue reading Car Free Cities Risk Excluding Disabled People

Dockless Bikes – a navigational nightmare!

July 26, 2019July 25, 2019 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

A screenshot of BBC parliament. Daniel Zeichner MP is reading from notes, with a female Mp sat behind him. The subtitles read, so Doctor Kavangh has asked me to implore the government

As a visually impaired white cane user, there is nothing worse than walking straight into an unexpected hazard. Unfortunately in London there are now thousands of them. Dockless bike schemes exploded all over the capital, and the UK generally, in the last couple of years. These app based initiatives allow anyone to log in, pick… Continue reading Dockless Bikes – a navigational nightmare!

On a Bicycle Made For Two

June 12, 2019June 11, 2019 BlondeHistorian1 Comment

Amy Sits at the back of the tandem. She wears a pink high vis vest, helmet and sunglasses. She is parked in front of a tree.

When navigating the world is a constant battle of bumping into things, the freedom of a bicycle is incredible. Although I was born visually impaired I did learn how to ride a bike as a child. My mum thought it was a rite of passage that I should experience. I was pretty late to the… Continue reading On a Bicycle Made For Two

Using AIRA Access at the Airport

January 24, 2019January 23, 2019 JustinLeave a comment

If it wasn't readily apparent from my post about my trip to London, I love traveling. What I don't love, though, is dealing with airports, which can be a challenge even when you have perfect vision. I hate trying to get around airports. I have no useful vision, so it's impossible for me to do… Continue reading Using AIRA Access at the Airport

A Blind American in London

November 12, 2018 Justin1 Comment

London Bridge, a grey atmospheric cloudy sky with sun breaking through.

My wife and I love to travel. We’re blessed to have the financial freedom to be able to do it, and her job working for American Airlines goes a long way towards making those travels happen. When we both have a week off, you can bet that we’re going to be on a plane heading… Continue reading A Blind American in London

Cane Adventures at Center Parcs

September 21, 2018 BlondeHistorianLeave a comment

Amy and Simon on the tandem photo taken side on. Amy is on the back with one foot raised, and Simon is stood over the bike with a thumbs up. They are both wearing helmets and sunglasses. Trees and forest are seen behind them and they are standing on a road.

I love travelling to new places! I'm pretty courageous and I enjoy going off the beaten track. As well as the usual European city breaks, I've been to India several times by myself for work and pleasure, I've explored Marrakesh, and visited the States. However, travelling and holidaying when you have a visual impairment often… Continue reading Cane Adventures at Center Parcs