Just like "respect and you will be respected" or "see and be seen", shoveling your sidewalk will help you (and others) walk and roll safely during winter time. Most municipalities leave it to the residents to maintain the sidewalks outside their homes and to clear the snow within 24 hours of the storm stopping. If you live in Colorado, like I do, shoveling early (even when it's still snowing) and periodically, with the help of the clear skies and sunshine, will clean and dry the sidewalks magically. But not after this snow storm! When you are rolling in a wheelchair or mobility scooter you heavily depend on the sidewalks to be accessible. This fierce lady that took the matter into her own hands!
Who needs to shovel?
Most municipalities leave it to the residents to maintain the sidewalks outside their homes and to clear the snow within 24 hours of the storm stopping. If you live in Colorado, like I do, shoveling early (even when it's still snowing) and periodically, with the help of the clear skies and sunshine, will clean and dry the sidewalks magically. But not after this snow storm!
What if you cleared your sidewalk and then the snowplow goes through and dumps mucky snow back onto it? What if the home owners association hasn't sent their shovels out? What if the sun doesn't come out in time to dry it out? What if your neighbor is behind with clearing it? What if the business doesn't know they are responsible for the curb cut as well?
Going to pick up a prescription on a Sunday!
Four days after the storm, on Sunday, my husband and I took a stroll to a nearby pharmacy to pick up a prescription - and stop for a quick lunch. A quick trip where I thought we could just use our 'walk like a penguin' skills turned into one of regret that we didn't pack our snowshoes! I then shared part of the experience (there were more stretches like this one) on Twitter.
Operation Pink Shovel
When you are rolling in a wheelchair or mobility scooter you heavily depend on the sidewalks to be accessible. This fierce lady that took the matter into her own hands!
Mallory is a dear friend and uses a mobility scooter for most of her trips. As you can imagine, she encounters more obstacles in the packed sidewalks than those who can 'walk like a penguin'. While she has all the right to be upset at the residents and businesses nearby for the poor sidewalk and curb cut conditions, she decided to be part of the solution. So she brought her own (pink!) shovel to create her access and mobilize the community to be more aware of the need to keep up their responsibilities as good citizens.
What are YOU doing to be part of the solution?
What are YOU doing to keep the sidewalks and curb ramps clear?
What are YOU doing with the snow in front of your house or business?
Picture: Mallory Cyr on her work commute. Photo by Owen Erquiaga