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Was this anywhere near the emergency entrance for the hospital? It makes sense to minimize traffic there for ambulances, etc., but otherwise I don't see why in the world they'd want to ban bikes.
Any chance your doctor at that hospital is cyclist? Or maybe any of the others in the group (if it is a group)? You could always try mentioning this to your doctor. Sometimes the doctors have some pull - many of them serve on hospital committees, etc. They can put some pressure on a narrow-minded CEO.
(shaking my head):confused::confused::confused:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Deborajen
If they have emergency access in front it may be that if you're not driving an ambulance then any vehicle or bike had better be carrying a passenger about to have a baby, or have the baggie of ice with the missing finger in it or ...Quote:
Originally Posted by pardes
Geez, that's disappointing news indeed! :(Quote:
Originally Posted by pardes
I have an appointment at one of their satellite campuses today, and a meeting at the main campus next week, both of which are bike-able from my house. I may have to explore this issue further while I'm there. Pardes, please keep us all posted, and thanks for your hard work!
And so it begins.....
This is my first approach. See my blog http://cloistervoices.blogspot.com/
Next, I'll be making an appointment with the CEO and going there on my little illegal bike.
Nice blog entry, P. I have faith you'll eventually get the silly rules changed to ones that make more sense.
That baby memorial is just too sad.
Incredibly well written!!! A pleasure to read, as always. I love the writing, the pictures... everything!! :)
Fabulous. You make so much sense.
This whole bike ban is a perfect example of rules versus principles. Instead of taking the time to identify how the needs of all can be met while upholding the principles of health, safety and individual freedoms, they just make a simple rule. The rule punishes everyone, and fosters violation of the principles!
Go for it, Pardes!
Karen
Pardes: I've said it before...I'll say it again - YOU'RE a GEM!;)
You keep swinging that "velvet hammer"!
I'm confused. Your picture and blog indicates you are also upset that they have potentially banned bikes from a 1/4 mile wellness walking path on private hospital grounds. Yes? Am I mistaken?
Pardes - I've been wondering where you were/are!
Great blog & what a bizarre situation. Can hardly wait to hear 'the next chapter'!!! :D
She wasn't riding on the walking path, but she was on the roads of the private hospital grounds, which she had to take to get to the public bus stop.Quote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
I know that. I was referring the statements about the path sign in her blog.
It was designated as a MUP, but they banned trespassers. I wonder how they determine who's a trespasser and who's just there to hang out at the park or use the exercise path.
Roxy
There's several inconsistencies here...
The MUP is on the very edge of the grounds and looks more like a wide hot-pressed gravel sidewalk than a MUP that winds through a wooded area. It doesn't run through the hospital grounds just around it. but only on one partial side. I've never noticed anyone using it for exercise. It abruptly ends on one end as the access road into the hospital which doesn't have sidewalks and which does have a sign banning pedestrians on the sides of the access road. On the other end, it morphs into an official wide concrete sidewalk that runs in front of a banking company and down to Harmony Road.
The No Trespassing sign, I'm sure, doesn't apply to the MUP sidewalk itself, but to the hospital property next to it.
Oh wait, I HAVE seen a lot of people using the MUP. The conclave of Canada Geese. The geese need it like I do. Freeloaders that they are who don't migrate but camp like gypsies on the pond, and indeed they are getting a bit hippy in their waddle.
I wonder if geese are prone to arthritis too?
And do they make Depends for geese? They should you know since these geese poop all OVER the MUP.
Oh great. Now I'm going to go to work with a mental image of geese wearing Depends, sweatbands on their little foreheads, and pushing their little walkers around the MUP on their way to Aquacize classes in the pond.
I can loan them my iPod Aquacize tape of Tina Turner singing, "I Will Survive." Followed by Flashdance and The Age of Aquarius.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pardes
ARRGGGHH! I almost spewed my coffee all over my computer moniter. Now I'm going to have that image stuck in my brain!
:cool: :D
Christiana???? you're kidding!
You're at my old stomping grounds! I have a friend who works there. I will have to email him your story and see what he says.
But I really can't believe it. Now, it's been 7 years, but that hospital used to be the place to go for heath minded things!! I can't believe they'd have such attitudes!!!
Publicity is the way to go. Contact channel 12, and even Philly places. Wilmington hates to be seen as "behind" Philly. What kind of biking policy does Thomas Jefferson have (not that you'd want to bike there, but still)? They're also a non for profit. What if their supporters found out that they don't even support biking as a healthy lifestyle? tsk tsk.... A Woman trying to do the healthy thing and you can't even cut across to get to public transportation? That is a VERY VERY busy area so *not* cutting thru isn't really a realistic option... I wonder what DART would say if they knew they were having their access restricted by some silly policy.
Good luck! Keep us posted!
It remains to be seen what their official policy is about bicycles. Let's not jump to conclusions before we have to.
It's entirely possible that the only two people I've come iinto contact there (security guard and CEO's secretary) about this issue may NOT be quoting the party line but their personal opinions.
The CEO has staffed out responding to my email to another executive. (Sigh. I feel like the wallflower that didn't get asked to dance by the quarterback....) The VP of External Affairs has tried to reach me by phone and we are now playing phone tag. I should know something soon.
I am hoping for the best and plan to campaign mightily for their help (from a medical point of view) in setting up a comprehensive program for senior bikers (getting non-cyclists on bikes), TADA.... known as Elderberry Bike Rides. I've already got a bike store offering discounts and the local bike groups ready to help!
I'd like to see a great deal of involvement by them (the hospital) in such a project but I'd be happy with them just referring their outpatient program patients from senior care, cardiac rehab, women's care, arthritis programs, weight loss, etc programs to be informed that there is now a Boomer Bike Project that offers road training, help with buying and setting up a bike, how to shop by bike, and sponsoring slow, easy, navel-contemplating, photo-taking, coffe-drinking, people-watching, nature gawking kind of rides in this area. We have LOTS of bike rides in the area but they are all way too advanced for beginners and shy bikers.
Anyway, that's the plan. Well that and contemplating Depends and sweat bands on Canada Geese.
ohhhhhh... sorry. :oQuote:
Originally Posted by SadieKate
FWIW, I asked my doc (who is a director or something at the hospital) about this when I saw him earlier this week and he had never heard about this policy. He commented that information like this is usually shared through the company newsletter and website, and he'd never seen it either place.Quote:
Originally Posted by pardes
*shrugs*
Don't feel that way...this is typical and I suspect that this person will be equipped to be articulate on the issue...but my guess is that they won't be equipped for the velvet hammer we call "Pardes"Quote:
Originally Posted by pardes
Go get'em Pardes!
Never seen Depends for fowl before, but we did have a goat in Pampers in church once.
I am very happy to report that this issue has been resolved to the relief of everyone.
Please see my new Elderberry Bike Rides blog for the update.
(pssst ... Pardes, the blog is set to invitation only ....)
oh BOTHER! lemme fix that. 30 seconds ago it was set to PardesTESTbog.....Quote:
Originally Posted by jobob
Pardes! YOU are my hero!
Hooray!! Now, if they'll just institute training of their law enforcement officers....
Most Excellent ! :cool:
Wow. Change. Made by one person. Who knows how many lives you will affect which basically was the result of one hospital constable who cashed in too many crabby chips that day. Pay it forward - good karma for you just has to reply.
Yay Pardes!!!!! I knew you'd solve this with dignity and grace (like I'm sure you handle everything). Way to go!!!:D
That is awesome, Pardes. I don't know if I could have been as nice as you were!
I did NOT practice nearly as much "dignity and grace" in my recent dealings (unhappily NOT resolved) between Amazon and me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tri Girl
There are some TE members here who are also on the Kindle Forum who can attest to that. My thread there was locked when I wrote that I couldn't get resolution of a broken Kindle since Amazon blamed me for the damage. I added that in frustration I threw the Kindle up against the wall and then could honestly say, "Yup, I damaged it."
I'm boycotting Amazon for any future purchases of any product. That stings a bit since I was an Amazon addict.
Awesome! Pardes, you're one cool lady :cool:
Any chance you get to see a copy of the memo the Ex Office will send down to the Security office about allowing bicycles on the hospital grounds? :rolleyes::D
Somewhere the communication still has to happen that bicycles are NOT banned. Administration may be fine with it, but Security is out on the streets.
Glad to hear that you can catch your bus and have something hot for dinnner other than eggs!
Pardes, you rock! :D Best of luck with the project!
I love it! Thanks for the update!
Pardes, what a wonderful story. Great to see you back.
Pam
Way to be an advocate! What a great outcome, and I love your style! :cool: