When you're out and about in NYC, it's not uncommon to find yourself in need of a restroom. But where do you go? Unfortunately, public restrooms in the city are scarce and often not up to standard. This lack of available and accessible bathrooms is a major problem for residents, tourists, and people with disabilities.
According to a report by the NYC Comptroller's office, there are only 3 public restrooms for every 5 boroughs, leaving residents and visitors struggling to find a clean and accessible place to go. In comparison, Paris has one restroom for every 1,000 people and London has one for every 2,500. It's no wonder NYC consistently ranks as one of the least livable cities in terms of quality of life. But why is this a problem? Not having a place to go when you need to use the restroom can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially for those with medical conditions that require frequent bathroom use. Additionally, the lack of public restrooms can lead to an increase in crime, as those in need may resort to urinating or defecating in public spaces, making neighborhoods feel less safe.
People with disabilities are also impacted by the lack of accessible bathrooms. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all businesses must be accessible to people with disabilities, including restrooms. However, many public restrooms in NYC are not ADA-compliant, leaving people with disabilities without a place to go. For example, many people who use wheelchairs rely on catheters to empty their bladders and require accessible amenities in order to use the restroom. This lack of accessibility not only causes inconvenience but also poses a public health issue. A 2008 study found that 65% of New Yorkers have witnessed someone urinating or defecating in public, highlighting the importance of available and accessible bathrooms in densely populated areas like NYC. For young children and the elderly, the lack of available restrooms can be particularly problematic as they may not be able to control their bladder for long periods of time. This is why it's crucial for NYC to have accessible and available bathrooms for all its residents, visitors, and people with disabilities.
Thankfully, there's an app that can help with that. Lulu is an app that helps tourists, locals, and people with disabilities find public and premium bathrooms for free. The app also allows you to pay a small fee to use semi-private bathrooms from restaurants the app partners with. It's a great resource for those who find themselves in need of a restroom in the city and want to avoid the hassle of searching for one.
By prioritizing the installation and maintenance of public restrooms throughout the city, NYC can improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors, while also reducing the risk of public health hazards. It's time for the city to take action and ensure that everyoneas a clean and accessible place to go when nature calls.
And with Lulu, finding a bathroom has never been easier.