Access to the City
 

Hello everyone!

Going to NYC 20th Dec for a few days party of 5 for some Holiday SHOPPING and the like!

My Mum will be with us who is 70 and suffers from Arthritis and can't walk very far and had difficulty getting in/out of NY Cabs!

We would like her to see the sights such as Liberty - Empire State etc...

Anyone tips from you knowledgable people??

Thanking you all in advance

John

My 2 suggestions would be to either bring a wheelchair for her, or to hire a car to drive you all around to the sights. If you are going for a few days I figure that the wheelchair idea would be more cost efficient.

Sam has probably given the best--and perhaps, only--options. The subway is definitely out because of the steps.
Keep in mind, however, that while you can walk and wheel her to midtown destinations (i.e., Empire State Building and shopping), getting to the Statue of Liberty must involve some sort of transportation--either a cab or a limo.

Sorry to have to say that's a difficult time to be wheeling a chair around NYC. The sidewalks will be packed and traffic is absolutely awful. Even if you hire a car and driver (which is the best idea and may in fact be cost effective for your group) it will be slow going.

You don't say why your Mum was having difficulty with the cabs. Were they too tight (small)? Would she be able to manage getting on to a coach? The Grayline hop on/off tours are very popular and she wouldn't have to do the "hopping"

http://graylinetours.com/

Here's another URL I found with info for touring for seniors. I don't think it offers any earth shattering advice, but there are boat cruise options (chilly in Dec. but many have inside seats).

http://www.nycvisit.com/content/inde...ey=165#special

Thanks for input! gosh you lot are quick!

With cabs - its how low they are to the ground - Coaches would be fine - I am investigating the Grey Line Tour which maybe a good option -

I might investigate a driver for a day so that we can take in all the sights one day it may work out better than getting in /out of cabs with so many of us.

Rgds from a Chilly London

If mom has problems getting around, I second the Greyline tour idea.

Sidewalks are packed normally and that time of year would be a nightmare with a wheelchair.

Subways in Manhattan aren't too wheelchair freindly but the buses are much better.

I would still get a wheelchair for things like museums.

Does your mom have trouble with all cars - or is it just getting in and out of the back of cabs? I have an elderly neighbor who can;t manage steps at all - so public transport is out - and he takes cabs everyehwere - by sitting in the front with the driver. It's usually way easier to get in and out. Would this help your mom? IMHO this would be way less expensive than a car and driver.

Thank you all for your suggestions - my main aim is to ensure that she sees all the sights with the rest of the clan!

Rgds

John

I am a senior and suffer from arthritis. I have difficulty getting in and out of taxis so I rarely use them. SInce I am able to walk up and down a couple of flights of stairs I use the subway as a means of transportation. I also use buses frequently. NY buses kneel making it relatively easy to get on and off.

As mentioned you are going at a VERY busy time. So busy that you will have big problems wheeling a WC on the city streets at times. As an example- at night time the Rockerfeller center area is just about one way only on sidewalks for views of the tree. :) Place is packed. Hiring a driver is probably best and be very specific on what you wish to see and go with their recommendations on schedule.