VIDEO: Causeway Coast & Glens guide dog owner Alex urges motorists not to block pavements
A Causeway Coast and Glens guide dog owner has shared his experiences as part of the local Council’s campaign to stop motorists blocking pavements.
For Alex from Ballymoney, a blocked path is not just an obstacle, it’s a challenge to his independence.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is asking members of the public to keep footpaths in the Borough for people and not parking. Their campaign is asking that drivers #dontblockthepath.
A single car parked across the pavement can force Alex and his guide dog off their safe route and into danger. Guide dogs are trained to protect and guide but they cannot move a car out of the way. What should be a simple walk can suddenly become stressful, unpredictable and unsafe.
Alex said: “When there’s events on in the town, we just can’t come out because it means we have to walk on the road, so we have learned just not to leave the house if there’s anything on.
"It can be very difficult sometimes, we just can’t use the footpath if it’s up on four wheels, which is illegal.
"We can’t get near down kerbs, we can’t get near tactiles because they’re usually blocked,” he added.
Speaking about Council’s campaign to keep pavements clear, Alex said: “I think this is absolutely fantastic. I think it’s nice to see that local council are looking into it.
"It’s not even just for myself, there is one other guide dog in Ballymoney, but it’s for those that have buggies, walking aids, those that are older, anybody that needs a bit of help.”
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, has added his voice to the campaign saying: “We’re encouraging drivers to take a moment to think about others before they park.
“Pedestrians who journey using footpaths should be able to do so in a safe way and as the campaign highlights, pavements are for people and not for parking.
“We’re asking both residents and visitors to the area to respect that and help make our Council area a better place for everyone to commute round and #dontblockthepath.”