By ANTONIA TALLARICO
Canes & Canines
Low Vision Support Group

I tried to make sidewalk hygiene witty and interesting. I failed. So, I’m going to try and make this subject short. What is sidewalk hygiene? Since I just made the term up, I’m going to define it as what residents are responsible for making sidewalks safe and enjoyable for people like me who are low/no vision, children running helter-skelter to catch a school bus, dog walkers, joggers … in other words everyone.

I have been bushwhacked by tree limbs and shrubs. Since losing my vision, I’ve become extra vigilant ensuring my landscaping doesn’t encroach on sidewalks and tree limbs are trimmed at least eight feet above the sidewalk. My tall friends appreciate not headbanging down the street.

I don’t park on the sidewalk. For some reason the State doesn’t let me drive so I don’t own a car. I understand why car owners do use sidewalk as parking spaces. They are attempting to be courteous to fellow drivers trying to navigate the narrow Streets of LA. Unfortunately, using the sidewalk as a parking space ends up funneling people into the street. I’ve seen parents with baby strollers and children running down the middle of the street. As a rule of thumb – Streets are for vehicles and sidewalks are for people.

I’ve collided with car trunks/hoods, truck mirrors, and bike racks blocking the sidewalk. With lengthening nights, this one is likely me in pain as the evenings get dark. If my day vision is poor, my night vision is awful. To make matters worse, my dog doesn’t understand not going for his walks. While I don’t see well, I’m sure my dog is giving me eyerolls every time I crash into something as obvious (at least to him) as a car.

Talking about crashing; I’ve tripped over children’s toys. While my children are grown, I do remember the days when I was guilty of not ensuring my own kids picked up their toys before coming in at night.

This is the last issue I want to talk about and it’s my least favorite – dog excrement. FYI: I can’t see it. I can; however, tell the difference between bear poo and dog doo after I’ve stepped in it. Pet Pangaea has these handy-dandy bags and carrying containers. They aren’t expensive and your dog’s number two is your responsibility too.