Sunday, October 23, 2022

7 HAZARDS OF WALKING AND “WHEELCHAIRING” IN MÉXICO—and 7 Safety Suggestions

 Walking in México can be Dangerous

Careful! Don't Step Off the Curb Here!

Walking in México can be dangerous—but not for the reasons you might think. It’s the obstacles in the sidewalks and streets that you need to watch for constantly because there are many. I’ve included “Wheelchairing” in this because now that my husband, Jon, sometimes uses a wheelchair, we’ve learned that there are even more obstacles, ones we had previously overlooked.

The Sidewalk Ends Abruptly Without a Warning

Watch for obstacles constantly while walking. This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen too many tourists with new casts on their arms or ankles. Bleeding knees and black eyes are all-too-common among newcomers, too. No, it’s not from being mugged. Stumbling, tripping, and falling can easily happen in México and there’s no one to blame. The belief in this country is that if you fall and hurt yourself on the sidewalk, it’s the sidewalk’s fault. 

Everyone is responsible for themselves here. So, to help keep yourself safe, here are 7 common hazards to watch for when walking or “wheelchairing”.

1.     Tripping Hazards

Beware of Bent, Damaged Drainage Grates in the Middle of the Sidewalk!

Tripping hazards come in more shapes and forms than you can imagine. And they pop up in the most unexpected places, even walking along a popular tourist Malecón. It’s easy to become so distracted by all of the amazing views in México that you don’t see the danger your feet are about to encounter.

Bolts are Left Sticking Up When Signposts are Removed--Ow!

This Toe-Stubber is Right at the Crosswalk!

Abandoned Raised Concrete Slabs in a Walkway are Common

     These are just a few examples of the many tripping hazards for pedestrians. We now understand how abruptly these obstacles can jarringly bring a wheelchair to a halt, too.

2.     Crossing Bike Lanes Next to Walkways

Look Both Ways Before Crossing Bike Lanes!

     Once, I stepped into this bike lane without looking when I crossed from the sidewalk to the street to get on the bus! Fortunately, there weren’t any bicycles coming. Bicyclists travel fast in México! Be aware that they travel on sidewalks and streets, as well, so always be on the lookout for bikes and motorcycles. And they sometimes ride against traffic or the wrong way on a one-way street, so look both ways!

3.     Steep Ramps Can be Slippery, Especially if Damp or Sandy

There are No Slope or Width Requirements for Ramps
     Stepping onto a steep ramp can be dangerous, especially if it is damp or has a film of sand on the surface. I once stepped onto a tiled ramp that had a film of dust on it, my foot slipped out from under me, and down I went—fast and hard! Taking a wheelchair down a narrow, steep “Handicap” ramp can be especially treacherous. This one is in the middle of the block, drops onto the rough cobblestone road, and has no ramp up to the sidewalk on the other side of the street. 

 4.     Uneven Step Heights and Treads, Double-Step High Curbs

Watch that Extra Unpainted Step by the Taxi Bench, Too!

     This photo shows multiple hazards that make this corner especially dangerous. I saw one young man try to quickly hop up the high double-step curb, trip, and nearly land on his face. Fortunately, he had quick reflexes and was fine—others are not so lucky. The hidden steps,  uneven stair treads, and broken concrete add to the risk of corners like this one. I've watched people fall going down unseen steps just as often as walking up! Be careful.

     And in a wheelchair, good luck! Thankfully, Jon is able to stand from his chair and walk down these steps.

Concrete Humps On the Handrail Side can Cause Stumbling

       Puerto Vallarta has plans to make sidewalks accessible to all, but some areas of Old Town still need improvement. High, broad, uneven steps and no ramp as shown in this photo make some businesses inaccessible for those in wheelchairs.

5.     Trees in the Middle of Sidewalks and Plant Cut-Outs in the Concrete are Possible Stumbling Points

Someone Tried to Repair this Broken Planter Area, But...
Trees are Protected Here, Even When Taking Over the Sidewalk

     Trees take priority in México, which is overall a good thing for the environment and the appearance of cities. Just be aware that trees are often growing in the middle of the sidewalks with little room to maneuver around them. Also, the edging of the concrete cut-out for the tree may be broken, raised, or sunken, creating a trip-and-fall hazard. Tree roots sometimes extend into the sidewalk and lift the concrete. Beware, be aware.

6.     Cobblestone Streets, Especially with Missing Stones and Loose Gravel

Loose Stones, Missing Stones, and Missing Concrete

     Many streets in Mexican cities are paved with cobblestone or other types of pavers. I love the old-world feel, but these streets take some practice to walk on without twisting an ankle. If stones are loose or missing, a hole is left that is even more treacherous. Stepping wrong on sand and gravel in the streets can cause your feet to fly right out from under you. I have first-hand experience with that!

7.     Pedestrian Bridges are Wicked to Cross but Sometimes Necessary

Wild Motion plus Protruding Rebar and Wire Fencing 

     Suspended walking bridges like this one are scarier to cross than they look. And they’re more common in México than you might think—we have to walk on this one to cross the Cuale River to our Zumba class on the Isla Cuale in Puerto Vallarta. As soon as you begin walking on this bridge, it begins to bounce and sway. If more than one person is walking, their differing cadences cause the bridge to dip and dance in three directions. On top of that, the curled rebar and bent wires at the base of the chain-link fencing will cut into your calf if you get too close. We usually end up laughing at ourselves, walking as though we are drunk, even while holding onto the fence. 

     And there’s often a guy with a motorcycle patiently waiting at the other end for the bridge to clear so he can walk his moto across. The moto will barely fit side to side, so no pedestrians can be in the way. The locals know to clear the bridge and give the moto the right of way when it’s his turn—we follow their example. Another Lesson Learned...

7 Safety Suggestions for Walking and “Wheel-chairing” in México (Part 2 will be published next week)

     Have you read my latest book in the Healthy Living in Mexico series, Living in Mexico More Lessons Learned? Available on Amazon worldwide, it's free with kindleunlimited.

Living in Mexico

More Lessons Learned

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     Terry

6 comments:

  1. I use walking poles to assist me. I am wondering if you ever see people using these or see any extra difficulty for someone using these.
    Thanks.

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    1. Thank you so much for your comment about walking poles! Yes, we use Uban Poling brand poles from Canada. I'm going to include that as one of my Safety Suggestions in Part 2 of this series. We do occasionally see a few others using walking poles, but we get lots of questions and comments from people walking by who are curious. I think we're starting a new trend in the area:) Best Wishes!
      Terry

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  2. cobblestones are very dangerous in Mexico

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    1. Yes, but part of life here. It's great that here in Old Town Puerto Vallarta they use flat-faced pavers or smoother concrete for crosswalk areas. It's a little safer, but can still have cracks and stumbling ridges. Best wishes!
      Terry

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  3. This is SO true! I can't imagine trying to walk in Mexico with any kind of disability. We encountered most of the obstacles you mentioned/pictured in this post during our time in Mexico, especially in Playa del Carmen. You really do have to be very careful and not take your eyes off the ground. I banged up my hand pretty badly on an unexpected signpost in the middle of a bike path while riding my bike in the rain in Playa, so in addition to walkers and wheelchair-ers, even cyclists can run into some of the issues you point out.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, bicycling on cobblestone and over topes was a real challenge for us, too. We finally realized two years ago that it was time for us to sell our bikes and take up walking.

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