Shocking Truth: 31K Disabled in Cancún Struggle with Accessibility

Despite local authorities' claims of transforming Cancún into a more inclusive city, the reality for over 31,000 disabled residents suggests otherwise. Particularly in regions like 99 and on heavily trafficked avenues, the lack of accessible infrastructure remains a significant issue.

A tour of the city reveals a shocking lack of sidewalks and wheelchair ramps in areas like Tierra Maya and along the Chichén Itzá, López Portillo, and Uxmal avenues. This lack of infrastructure forces disabled individuals to travel on the road, exposing them to potential danger.

In Region 107 and across the city, cars often park on the sidewalks, and businesses obstruct paths, with no penalties enforced. Despite the growing number of disabled individuals in the city, there appears to be little effort to improve their mobility.

According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), Benito Juárez is the municipality in Quintana Roo with the highest number of disabled residents, estimated at around 31,000. However, the actual number is likely higher. Many of these individuals struggle with mobility issues, making travel a significant challenge, especially given the lack of public transportation adapted for their needs.

While some areas do have ramps, they are often blocked or elevated, making them difficult to access. This is the case even in recently renovated areas like Parque de Las Palapas. Some traffic lights on avenues like Xcaret, Tulum, Cobá, Tankah, Yaxchilán, and Andrés Quintana Roo have been fitted with accessibility features, including tactile paving, ramps, and sound, to aid safe crossing. However, these are few and far between.

The lack of accessible infrastructure is a serious social issue that the authorities seem to be ignoring. Addressing this problem would require the construction of new sidewalks throughout Cancún, a cost the authorities seem unwilling to bear.