Taichung Makalong Park parking lot 'curb' causes fractures, residents complain: 'It's an invisible killer'

A serious incident at Taichung's Makalong Park has highlighted a dangerous design flaw in its motorcycle parking area, leading to a mother suffering a fractured ankle and torn ligaments. The woman was riding with her child when she struck a raised concrete curb, approximately 16 centimeters high, which she described as an "invisible killer" due to poor nighttime visibility and its deceptive appearance. The curb's color blended with the ground, making it difficult to see, especially in low light conditions.

This incident, which has left the mother unable to work and requiring ongoing rehabilitation, has sparked outrage among locals and prompted action from city officials. The mother is considering filing a national compensation claim against the city government. She questioned why such a prominent obstacle was placed in the middle of an otherwise flat parking area, noting the numerous scuff marks on the curb as evidence that she is not the only victim.

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The raised curb is simply an 'invisible killer'.

Responding to the public outcry, Democratic Progressive Party councilor Tsai Yao-chieh arranged an on-site inspection and confirmed the curb's hazardous nature. He stated that the design, intended to prevent motorcycles from parking in driving lanes, has instead created a significant danger for users. Tsai urged the city government to promptly remove the curb. The Taiping District Office acknowledged that the curb was designed and constructed by the city's Construction Bureau and agreed to have it removed based on the inspection findings, promising to install more suitable facilities. This case, as reported by Liberty Times, underscores the critical need for safety considerations in public infrastructure design, particularly in areas frequented by families and children.

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The raised curb is very abrupt. It's easy for people riding motorcycles to hit it when turning, and pedestrians could easily trip over it.