This post I wrote was published at the Easterseals National blog earlier this week (I work part-time moderating that blog). It occurred to me later that some of you Safe & Sound blog followers might find it worth a read, too, so here it is.
When sidewalks are covered in snow and ice, walking to work — or to school, or just to exercise — can be difficult. Or impossible.
Chicago is one of many American cities where the number of people walking or using public transportation to get to work outnumber the people who drive. Every winter here I find myself questioning why it is that when snow plows clear passage for cars, the snow mounds they leave at bus stops — on curb cuts and crosswalks — go unshoveled. What about the pedestrians? We appreciate you plowing the streets, but how are we supposed to get over those mounds of snow at the curb to cross to the other side? What better place to find information on all this than on a Minnesota web site. A site called Minnesota Walks points out that approximately one-third of the U.S. population does not drive, including:
- Children
- People with certain disabilities
- People age 65 or better
- Those who cannot afford a personal vehicle
- A growing number of people who simply choose not to drive.
Sidewalks and crosswalks are necessary for those of us who don’t drive to access destinations or public transit, and the Minnesota Walks site also points out that the “Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Regulation §35.133 requires maintaining ADA-compliant access to walkways year-round, which includes snow and ice clearing.”
For guide dogs, everything can look like a tunnel sometimes.
Those of you stuck at home in the aftermath of a snowstorm may want to use your time inside to communicate and educate transportation professionals and community leaders about snow removal and accessibility. Easter Seals’ Project Action has developed a guide related to transportation and snow removal. The 24-page booklet highlights innovative policies and strategies used by U.S. and Canadian communities to improve accessible pathways and transit stops during winter weather.
Happy reading, and hang in there — it’s gotta melt sometime.
There are several places on my block where the snow and ice are never removed. I found out what to do in Chicago: You call 311 with the information. It may or may not help, but will make you feel better. Perhaps…
Hi Beth,
What will it take for cities and towns to wake up to the fact that a large portion of their citizens do not drive. I think this situation should be brought up at every mayor “meet and greet” the
candidates.
Keep up the good work Beth!!
Kathy
OMG. Thank you. I’m on the warpath all over my neighborhood, especially with my church. I’ve called 311 so many times in the past few weeks. I’m trying to get ActiveTrans, our pedestrian advocates to pay attention to this but they don’t respond to me. I’m copying that document to everyone. Thanks.
OMG. Thank you. I’m on the warpath all over my neighborhood, especially with my church. I’ve called 311 so many times in the past few weeks. I’m trying to get ActiveTrans, our pedestrian advocates to pay attention to this but they don’t respond to me. I’m copying that document to everyone.I brought it up at a mayoral forum once. Thanks.
Brigitte & Regan, just curious. When you call 311, does anyone ever call you back (or contact you otherwise) to let you know someone is looking into/taking care of the issue?
Last week, when I got off the bus, the sidewalk was shoveled, but there were mounds of pushed snow blocking the crosswalks! A man on an electric scooter got off the bus. As the exit ramp was being raised up, I pointed to the mounds, stating he’d never be able to get past them. He had the driver lower the ramp. He got back on the bus, then got off a block later. There was a pile blocking access to the crosswalk to, but it wasn’t a major mound. People had to help him drive over the snow pile. THIS SIDEWALK WAS NEXT TO PARKING FOR MERCY HOSPITAL. You’d think they’d have consideration for crippled people, elderly with walkers and canes, and people pushing baby buggies. Gr-r-r-r!
What Regan said! Now that you wrote it so well, send it to the mayoral candidates, your alderman candidates, your neighborhood association, make it a Letter to the Editor. In my former neighborhood (Albany Park) we used Nexdoor to communicate and coordinate if an elderly neighbor, single mom, etc. needs help cleaning their sidewalk, etc. I liked how troubles brought us closer.
Gee. Maybe I will –send it to the Tribune as an oped, at least. Thanks for the suggestion –and the encouragement –Iliana.
Who is responsible for shoveling? Apartment/condo, business owners? And city is responsible for the corners? Logic gets the majority of the city (and the safest) moving first. Ugh! One more thing.
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