Walking in Montana's winter wonderland

Melinda Barnes

Winter has arrived, and with that comes snow. Most Montana communities have some kind of ordinance requiring snow removal from sidewalks, typically requiring the property owner or tenant to remove snow within a certain amount of time.

Even though not required, property owners may begin clearing the sidewalks before the snowfall stops or even on the same day, and in fact that is a nice thing to do.

Consider this: what would happen if roads were not plowed until after the snow stopped and 12 inches accumulated? What would happen if at every intersection a large berm was left for the duration of time the snow is on the ground?  What would happen if measures weren’t taken to mediate ice buildup? Would there be a rebellion by all drivers? Possibly. The transportation departments would probably never hear the end of it. Well, this is exactly what it’s like for pedestrians when just a few inches of snow accumulates or for wheelchair users when there is as little as an inch of snow on the sidewalk. Pedestrians cannot wait 24 hours or even days or weeks before walking to work, school, or the store. Instead, many still head out early each morning to go to work or school.

Everyone is a pedestrian at some time, even if it is just walking from the car into a business or home. Throughout winter, pedestrians are often left with the choice of trudging through deep snow or walking on the road, which, considering the number of vehicle crashes during snowfall, is not a good idea for anyone. Wheelchair users and the elderly may be left with no choice other than staying indoors. Business owners may lose customers due to impassable or unwelcoming sidewalks, (something to think about as we enter the biggest shopping season of the year).

When clearing the sidewalk, ask yourself if it is truly passable for every one of every age and ability, including the wheelchair user the person using a cane or crutches the parent pushing a stroller or the child with short legs. Another problem that arises is that when sidewalks are not cleared completely, they eventually turn to ice which can take a long time to melt away, making for very treacherous walking. So, rather than just doing the minimum possible, instead show that you care:

• Clear the entire sidewalk, not just a narrow strip;

• Completely clear the curb ramps;

• Clear the driveway crossing and the sidewalks on every side of the building;

• Clear away berms left at the end of the sidewalk;

• Aafter using an ATV or similar vehicle to plow, follow up with a shovel to clear the remaining snow left behind;

• Don’t pile snow plowed from the parking lot onto the sidewalk;

• After the street plow passes by, clear the sidewalk again if necessary;

• Even if you don’t have a sidewalk you may still be able clear a way for pedestrians

A few other tips and reminders about walking and driving in the snow:

• Drivers are required to stop for pedestrians at every intersection. In the winter, pedestrians can get very cold standing on the corner waiting to cross.

• Being seen by drivers should be the walker’s number one concern. Too many people are hit and even killed because they are invisible to the driver from wearing dark clothing at night. Instead, wear bright reflective clothing and consider using a headlamp and even a flashing light facing backwards.

• On streets with no sidewalk or uncleared sidewalks, consider walking in a parallel alley or neighborhood street that has little to no traffic.

• If possible, always walk facing traffic.

• Drivers, show extra caution for pedestrians, providing added room when passing and stopping earlier to let a pedestrian cross.

• Pedestrians, be aware that it may take a driver longer to stop so don’t start walking across the street until the driver comes to a complete stop.

This winter, let’s all work together to make our streets safer and to provide pedestrians the dignity they deserve by keeping the sidewalks clear. A huge thank you to everyone who already does this!

(Melinda Barnes is executive director of Bike Walk Montana She regularly walks and bicycles to work and is passionate about improving the safety of everyone who walks and bicycles in Montana.)