This article is also available in: 日本語
Actually this is my second time to visit New York City (NYC). My first visit was 8 years ago in 2008. I flew from Wisconsin where I went to college at that time, and spent a great time with other Japanese friends, one lived in Brooklyn and one came from Japan. Since one of my friends lived close to NYC, she guided us to many places by taxi (NYC has subway but I have not taken last time and this time because it does not have good wheelchair accessibility). The other friend checked all guide books of NYC and scheduled everything. So I just followed them.
This time, however, is a different story. For the first 4 days, I got my friend from high school to stay with me in NYC. But during day time, I had to attend the conference at United Nations (*1). Therefore I spent time with her only in the morning and evening. I took taxi to United Nations, but walked back (about 30 minutes) to my hotel to save money and for exercise . After the conference and my friend left for Japan, I have been walking around NYC, literally to west, east, north and south! Sometimes I walk more than 1 hour at one time. Through my adventures, I have found many things that I didn’t see last time I was here.
First one, NYC taxi. I think NYC taxi changed their marketing. It looks more friendly. For Moon Riders (=wheelchair user), I really wanted to introduce that NYC taxi has more wheelchair accessible car now. I have seen this type of NYC taxi many times during this stay. I haven’t taken one because I can take a regular taxi, but it is wonderful change for Moon Riders who travel with power wheelchair or manual wheelchair which cannot be folded. Also the taxi meter fare is exactly the same as the cost for any other taxi ride in Manhattan.
By the way, I would like to share an experience related to taking a taxi. When I arrived at JFK airport and was on the way to a taxi waiting area, one guy talked to me and asked me casually if I was going to take a taxi and where I was going. Since he was standing right next to an airport staff, I thought he was a person working with the airport and someone I could trust. When I told him my hotel name, he said “I can take you there.” and took my bag from my lap and walked fast to the parking. When he tried to put his bag into his car, I was sure that he was not a regular taxi driver. I asked him what’s going on and he said “It is Uber. The fare would be 140USD.” In Japan, some people know Uber already. Uber is a private ride service. In some cities in the US, people use Uber more than a regular taxi because of better quality of service. But remember, NYC taxi from JFK to Manhattan is a flat rate, only 52USD (excluding rush hour fare, bridge toll, initial charge etc.). If you know this, you don’t want to take Uber which costs almost double to triple in total. Those Uber drivers might be looking for travelers from other countries who do not know the system. So please be careful.
I also found that NYC has lots of stairs. In this blog, I have introduced how US is accessible for wheelchair user. However, NYC might be an exception. I have found many stores in old buildings have only stairs at entrance.
Some stores have equipped a lift or “Call for assistance” button like above picture.
One day I was looking for a coffee shop to buy some coffee beans. I found a cafe online and just went there. It took 30 minutes to walk there from my hotel…then I found their entrance door is basement with only stairs. I guess NYC is the one of the cities that you should check the accessibility in advance.
Also many sidewalks are really bumpy and some don’t have curb cuts either. Those could be a challenge for Moon Riders who travel alone. From my experience as a Moon Rider, I highly recommend you to bring wet tissues especially if you use manual wheelchair. NYC’s roads are much dirtier than you expect. Your hands get dirty very easily after a walk.
Over all, I really DO love NYC! This is a city I love the most for traveling in the US. But I just wanted to share my experiences and findings as a Moon Rider. To make you want to visit NYC, I will write about places I have enjoyed next time.:)
*1 I have attended a conference at United Nations