Whenever I see this sign, usually riding the bus on my way home, I can never decide whether to be insulted or amused. It’s at the entrance of a dual carriageway, and announces that “No pedestrians, cycles, invalid carriages, animals or motorcycles under 50cc” are allowed beyond that point. What I find strange is why they call it an Invalid Carriage rather than a wheelchair: who would use such anachronistic term these days? Everyone calls them Wheelchairs! More to the point, I resent being referred to as an invalid – I am perfectly valid, thankyou very much! Calling disabled people invalids is rather Dickensian. Call me a cripple or spazz if you want, but do not question my validity. Besides, what kind of cripple in their right mind would try to drive their wheelchair down a dual carriageway? The suggestion that anyone would even try is enough to make me chuckle.