le mans advice for dissabled spectator
Discussion
Long story short met a young guy this weekend at a racing event who is dissabled .Spent all weekend with him and his dad and was blown away by the the way they struggled putting up there tent before i arrived with no offers of help. People just step in front completely obscuring there view as well.He is Able to walk with crutches but also uses a wheelchair.I mentioned me trying to go to lemans and he said how much he would love to go. Startied me thinking as I dont want to go on my own.
Thing is are the facilitys at le mans no good for dissabled people i would love to take this young guy down just feel i want to help him experience le mans especially the start. But thinking about it seriously im wandering if it would be a disaster .Am i underestimating the difficulties at le mans.Any guys on here been down with physical dissabilitys.If so how bad do you find it, being a ignorant whats his name and after this weekend realise how hard it is just doin something like watching a bit of motoracing .Let alone the crappy accessed toilets and disabled viewing areas taken over by abled bodied gits. what do you reckon.
Thing is are the facilitys at le mans no good for dissabled people i would love to take this young guy down just feel i want to help him experience le mans especially the start. But thinking about it seriously im wandering if it would be a disaster .Am i underestimating the difficulties at le mans.Any guys on here been down with physical dissabilitys.If so how bad do you find it, being a ignorant whats his name and after this weekend realise how hard it is just doin something like watching a bit of motoracing .Let alone the crappy accessed toilets and disabled viewing areas taken over by abled bodied gits. what do you reckon.
It is difficult sometimes to walk around the back of the tribunes on the start/finish straight mostly due to the crowds, the mopeds and once you are between the ACO Tribunes (17 & 18) and the main entrance it is gravelly underfoot.
In a wheelchair you coulg get between the parking blanc entrance and the main museum entrance by using the footpath outside, as long as the bikes are sensibly parked.
From the main entrance you could get into the village using the main tunnel.
Best bet, if you are an ACO member might be to get to the ACO pavillion just passed the Dunlop bridge and get in there. The footpaths are sandy, so around there but it might be easier than the tribunes with the facilities laid on. I think you can join as a member on he door.
Best parking? Technopark or Expo and a long walk or parking on the Bugatti circuit Parking Vert IIRC which is nearer.
Good luck. Hopefully some more knowledgably will be along soon.
In a wheelchair you coulg get between the parking blanc entrance and the main museum entrance by using the footpath outside, as long as the bikes are sensibly parked.
From the main entrance you could get into the village using the main tunnel.
Best bet, if you are an ACO member might be to get to the ACO pavillion just passed the Dunlop bridge and get in there. The footpaths are sandy, so around there but it might be easier than the tribunes with the facilities laid on. I think you can join as a member on he door.
Best parking? Technopark or Expo and a long walk or parking on the Bugatti circuit Parking Vert IIRC which is nearer.
Good luck. Hopefully some more knowledgably will be along soon.
Saw quite a few wheelchair users at the Test day. There is a dedicated viewing spot at the main entrance side of the Dunlop stand, it is elevated and level concrete. There is also a special rate for the registered disabled and one assistant/carer 36 euro against 67 euro for the weekend.
One problem could be the heat it can get very hot and uncomfortable not much shade to view from apart from stands but not accessable by wheelchair. Plenty of water needed.
I'm sure that you will find someone who has first hand experience of this.
Don't be put off.
One problem could be the heat it can get very hot and uncomfortable not much shade to view from apart from stands but not accessable by wheelchair. Plenty of water needed.
I'm sure that you will find someone who has first hand experience of this.
Don't be put off.
You would need to check with ACO, but I saw a Brits car inside the circuit behind main grandstands which belonged to someone staying in the same village as me. I wondered how on earth he got parking there. I asked him and said it was disabled parking access as he has a disabled badge. Saw him walking all round circuit and in bar till 2 am everynight, so not sure what disability he had! Taking the piss probably.
I would say being in a wheelchair would be a nightmare getting around. It is a pain in the arse just walking through crowds at best of times. Plus the circuit has only really got into providing normal toilets in places, so disabled facilities are not common place as far as I recall.
I think with someone assisting the wheelchair user would obviously help.
Fair play for looking into it.
Edit.... Just re read you post. He has use of crutches, which will make things easier.
If he has some added mobility with crutches then it will be easier getting around. The general paths have improved around the place.
How about grandstand seats, so you can spend a fair bit of time in one place without fighting for some space.
I do think contacting the ACO would assist. Especially these days where large events must cater for disabled in much better fashion, they could give you good access or at least good advice.
I would say being in a wheelchair would be a nightmare getting around. It is a pain in the arse just walking through crowds at best of times. Plus the circuit has only really got into providing normal toilets in places, so disabled facilities are not common place as far as I recall.
I think with someone assisting the wheelchair user would obviously help.
Fair play for looking into it.
Edit.... Just re read you post. He has use of crutches, which will make things easier.
If he has some added mobility with crutches then it will be easier getting around. The general paths have improved around the place.
How about grandstand seats, so you can spend a fair bit of time in one place without fighting for some space.
I do think contacting the ACO would assist. Especially these days where large events must cater for disabled in much better fashion, they could give you good access or at least good advice.
Edited by DS240 on Tuesday 26th April 10:27
I just had a quick look on the official Le Mans website and can't see any mention of accessibility for the disabled, which is a pretty poor show in my view.
I'm trying to recall what disabled facilities I've seen over the years, but the only thing I remember is that the toilets on Maison Blanche have disabled cubicles with ramp access.
In the first instance, it might be easiest to contact a UK ticket agent rather than the ACO, as I'm sure you wont be the first to ask. Also, join up to the Club Arnage and Beermountain forums. There are many people who have been going for many years, so there is highly likely to be somebody who has practical experience they can share.
Edit: Just found this, might be useful http://www.clubarnage.com/wiki/doku.php?id=ca_guid...
I'm trying to recall what disabled facilities I've seen over the years, but the only thing I remember is that the toilets on Maison Blanche have disabled cubicles with ramp access.
In the first instance, it might be easiest to contact a UK ticket agent rather than the ACO, as I'm sure you wont be the first to ask. Also, join up to the Club Arnage and Beermountain forums. There are many people who have been going for many years, so there is highly likely to be somebody who has practical experience they can share.
Edit: Just found this, might be useful http://www.clubarnage.com/wiki/doku.php?id=ca_guid...
Edited by blueST on Tuesday 26th April 11:04
I am a wheelchair user, never been before. I sent email to official le mans ticket site and they said there was parking reserved for disabled and just to show badge. Look on official site there is one tiny spot shown.
I'm off on my own, and my advise would be to go for it, any problem you come across can be solved one way or another.
I'm off on my own, and my advise would be to go for it, any problem you come across can be solved one way or another.
The Leaper said:
Could be the ACO have woken up and this is something new for 2011, and about time too!
I don't think the French are so 'We must do all we can for the disabled'My local supermarket has two rows of disabled parking, another three rows for mums and children
From my experiance in France there will be two bays at most
I saw this topic last night but didnt get chance to reply.
Ive been going to le mans since 2006. I have cerebal palsy, so i cant walk properly, but I still go every year. 2006 was harsh, as it was my first year going, it was a spur of the moment thing, we didnt get there till late, didnt know where i was going, what i was doing etc. I ended up at home on saturday afternoon due to sunstroke! that was one year it was stupidly hot!!
Ive gone every year since. Learning just that bit more every year to make it more enjoyable. Ive taken a caravan / tent / trailer tent etc.
I always camp on Houx. It has good facilities, electric and its fairly close to the track.
I read somewhere you get money off the enterance tickets if your registered disabled, but i dont know how true that is as one of our houx neighbours always sorts the tickets out for us.
As far as disabled parking is concerned, there is disabled parking at the back of the grandstands at the main straight. All you have to do, is pay a quick visit to little office just to the right of the main enterance, show your disabled badges and what make your car is, and they will give you a disabled parking permit to put in your window, and they allow you through the main enterance, and you can park at the back of the grandstands.
This is great for qualifying, as there isn't THAT many people around, but for race day, its useless. Theres too much traffic to make it worthwhile driving to the track, and when you get inside the main enterance, your confronted with the terrifying prospect of driving through thousands of pissed up people who wont move out the way (not even for a few tons of volvo estate!!). Also, driving around is rather annoying as one has to stay sober in order to drive - not ideal for me!!
Generally, the ground in and around le mans is pretty rough, not good wheelchair terrain, although there are dedicated viewing areas on some of the grandstands, so nice to see the ACO thinking about us disabled folks. I was debating getting a folding trike for this year, but again, due to the terrain, and bridges / steps to get over, im not sure how much use this is going to be.
If you want any more info or advice, feel free to drop me an email. As i say, im still learning new things and meeting new people every year I go, but i love going and wouldnt swap it for anything
Ive been going to le mans since 2006. I have cerebal palsy, so i cant walk properly, but I still go every year. 2006 was harsh, as it was my first year going, it was a spur of the moment thing, we didnt get there till late, didnt know where i was going, what i was doing etc. I ended up at home on saturday afternoon due to sunstroke! that was one year it was stupidly hot!!
Ive gone every year since. Learning just that bit more every year to make it more enjoyable. Ive taken a caravan / tent / trailer tent etc.
I always camp on Houx. It has good facilities, electric and its fairly close to the track.
I read somewhere you get money off the enterance tickets if your registered disabled, but i dont know how true that is as one of our houx neighbours always sorts the tickets out for us.
As far as disabled parking is concerned, there is disabled parking at the back of the grandstands at the main straight. All you have to do, is pay a quick visit to little office just to the right of the main enterance, show your disabled badges and what make your car is, and they will give you a disabled parking permit to put in your window, and they allow you through the main enterance, and you can park at the back of the grandstands.
This is great for qualifying, as there isn't THAT many people around, but for race day, its useless. Theres too much traffic to make it worthwhile driving to the track, and when you get inside the main enterance, your confronted with the terrifying prospect of driving through thousands of pissed up people who wont move out the way (not even for a few tons of volvo estate!!). Also, driving around is rather annoying as one has to stay sober in order to drive - not ideal for me!!
Generally, the ground in and around le mans is pretty rough, not good wheelchair terrain, although there are dedicated viewing areas on some of the grandstands, so nice to see the ACO thinking about us disabled folks. I was debating getting a folding trike for this year, but again, due to the terrain, and bridges / steps to get over, im not sure how much use this is going to be.
If you want any more info or advice, feel free to drop me an email. As i say, im still learning new things and meeting new people every year I go, but i love going and wouldnt swap it for anything
For the last 6 years A disable friend has been to le mans with us, the ACO states that if you are a registered disabled with a certain percentage of disability then you are not charged, but my friend always pays as he says he can afford it and therefore he has never tried, however we camp a TR and he finds no difficulty using either the platforms or watching from close to the campsite which is right by the track. The security staff and others are always helpful. He does not use a wheel chair there but two sticks and has made it to the village,pitlane etc slowly with plenty of stops for drinks to replace the sweat as it is hard work. Most of the toilets have disabled access and in the campsite all the toilet blocks have a seperate disabled cubicle.
I suggest that if you need more advice speak to Nadine at the tourist office in Le Mans she speaks very good english and will be more than happy to explain anything you need to know.
Kevin came 6 years ago and expected to struggle but loved it and would now not miss it for the world.
I suggest that if you need more advice speak to Nadine at the tourist office in Le Mans she speaks very good english and will be more than happy to explain anything you need to know.
Kevin came 6 years ago and expected to struggle but loved it and would now not miss it for the world.
Thankyou for all replys now its a case of getting him from derby to me in essex and then down to le mans.Havent booked anything anywhere but you know how it is said id look into it but i dont think he thinks i can sort anything .I was thinking of biking down on my own and finding campsite but cant go on my own now i said i would try to get him there. any guys offering?? i havent spoke to this young guy yet about a serious bid to get him there but as i said id look into it.
Hi all,
it's me, Werner, editor of the Club Arnage Guide to the 24h of Le Mans. In one of the postings above blueST already pointed out that we do have some information for visitors with physical disabilities at http://www.clubarnage.com/wiki/doku.php?id=ca_guid...
However, right now this chapter had just one contributor. Any additional input with your first hand experiences and advice will be highly appreciated and can be a big help for fellow Le Mans visitors with similar problems.
Please either just update our wiki by yourself (You need to become a Club Anarge forum member though for this) or if you don't feel comfortable with this then just mail your advice to me by PM and I will take care of it. You will of course be credited for your contribution in the Club Arnage Guide :-)
Cheers
Werner
Editor Club Arnage Guide to the 24h of Le Mans
... and a big "hats off" from my side to all of you who take this challenge to visit the race!
it's me, Werner, editor of the Club Arnage Guide to the 24h of Le Mans. In one of the postings above blueST already pointed out that we do have some information for visitors with physical disabilities at http://www.clubarnage.com/wiki/doku.php?id=ca_guid...
However, right now this chapter had just one contributor. Any additional input with your first hand experiences and advice will be highly appreciated and can be a big help for fellow Le Mans visitors with similar problems.
Please either just update our wiki by yourself (You need to become a Club Anarge forum member though for this) or if you don't feel comfortable with this then just mail your advice to me by PM and I will take care of it. You will of course be credited for your contribution in the Club Arnage Guide :-)
Cheers
Werner
Editor Club Arnage Guide to the 24h of Le Mans
... and a big "hats off" from my side to all of you who take this challenge to visit the race!
Edited by wkk on Saturday 30th April 09:05
Edited by wkk on Saturday 30th April 09:06
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