Living and laughing with a disability - cerebral palsy; ordinary life, extraordinary circumstances.

Friday, July 02, 2010

A risky proposition

Eric Nelson rides his adult trike around Gresham. A 35 year old cp'er, the trike is his lifeline. He does odd jobs and returns pop cans. He's a volunteer "geek".

Eric maximizes his ability to make this world a better place, the highest calling any of us have.

Interesting story here:

A risky proposition

He was stopped by the Gresham police for riding on the sidewalk, but then he was hit when he was walking his trike in the bike lane. Adults are not allowed to ride bikes on sidewalks, but Eric does not feel safe in the bike lanes. His bike is banged up, as is his confidence.

I did not drive until I was out of college. I rode my yellow trike everywhere in Corvallis - to class, to the grocery store, to the laundromat, to church...everywhere. I rode sidewalks on busy streets. I had a close call with a car at a strip mall driveway one time.

I don't know Eric personally, but I see him around all the time. The Gresham police chief will work with Eric to figure out what is best for his safety and the public's. Eric's confidence will return.

Your community needs you Eric. Hang in there!

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