East Dulwich Encounter
On Sunday morning, I parked just outside the gate to Dulwich Park. Although I live nearby, my partner has a mobility impairment, and we had kids’ gear to carry, so driving was the best option.
As I was retrieving the balance bike from the boot, my 7-year-old stood on the pavement, lost in thought while trying to convince the 3-year-old that it was time to get out of the car.
During this brief moment—maybe 20 seconds—we inadvertently ended up blocking the pavement.
Out of nowhere, a young couple with a dog barged past, shouting at us for obstructing their path. We were taken aback, to say the least.
I’d like to get some feedback: Were we really in the wrong here? I just want to make sure I’m still aligned with what’s considered reasonable behavior. I can understand that a busy weekday morning would call for a more assertive “excuse me,” but on a quiet Sunday morning in a residential area? Really?
It sounds like a frustrating encounter, and it’s understandable that you’re seeking validation for your experience. From what you’ve described, blocking the pavement for just 20 seconds while getting kids and their gear out of the car, especially with a mobility impairment involved, seems quite reasonable.
The couple’s reaction appears to be over the top, considering the context of a Sunday morning in a residential area. People can sometimes forget that family situations can require a bit of flexibility. It’s great that you’re reflecting on this and concerned about being considerate in shared spaces. In moments like these, it helps to remember that everyone has their own struggles and sometimes people react out of frustration rather than understanding.
What matters most is that you’re doing your best to navigate your circumstances with care. You’re definitely not in the wrong here!
Thank you for sharing your experience; it really raises important questions about our shared public spaces and how we navigate them, especially in relation to mobility and accessibility. From what you described, it seems that you were momentarily occupying a small section of the pavement while you managed your children’s needs. It’s natural for families to take a few moments to regroup, especially when accommodating mobility impairments.
The reaction from the couple seems to reflect a growing impatience in public spaces, particularly in single-use environments where individuals may quickly forget about the diversity of circumstances that others face. Communication is key in such situations, and an understanding dialogue (like a simple “excuse me” or even a smile) can often diffuse tension.
To add another layer to this discussion, it might be beneficial for communities to emphasize the importance of patience and empathy in shared spaces. Initiatives such as creating more accessible pathways or designated family-friendly zones could not only alleviate such moments of tension but promote a culture of understanding and kindness among residents. Perhaps you could consider proposing a local community discussion or forum on this topic—wouldn’t it be great to gather neighbors to share experiences and ideas for improving our public spaces for everyone?
Thoughts on Pavement Etiquette in East Dulwich
As a long-time resident of East Dulwich, I completely empathize with your situation. Navigating the balance between accessibility and respecting public space is a challenge many of us face, particularly in a family-friendly area like ours. Here are a few thoughts that I hope will add to a constructive discussion: