Snow and Icy Conditions and the Pedestrian Realm – Update 2012
With all of the snow in the Puget Sound area, we de-iced some of the work that we had done as part of the Pedestrian Master Plan regarding snow and icy conditions and the pedestrian environment. We hope you enjoy and can glean some insights to share with others. There are seven topic areas: commercial and retail settings, frontages, placement of snow, corners, catch basins and drains, residential settings and ideas we suggest for further development.
Pedestrians to note:
Cars have difficulty stopping at crosswalks so be on alert in all directions and “give them space”.
Commercial and Retail Settings
Commercial and retail areas of the City are particularly attuned to maintaining activity on the sidewalks; providing access to retail offices and services; and providing access to transit.
Access to transit
Clearing for pedestrian travel
Frontages
Snow and ice conditions may vary widely within the City of Seattle. Each property owner is responsible to maintain access along their properties. Access will vary according to the storm event.
Property maintaining frontage
Property not maintaining frontage
Neighbors not participating create inconsistencies. However, even a few feet of clearing width can facilitate safer travel. Shovel snow to provide a minimum of 4 feet clear along the entire frontage and the full width of each entry. Ideally 6 to 8 feet would be cleared however it is more important to maintain a consistent path of travel.
Clearing travel path first
Cleared exit/entrance to parking garage could be improved with additional curbside clearing in the street.
Placement of Snow
Place shoveled snow between the sidewalk and the curb; do not shovel the snow into the parking or curb lane as this may impede cars buses, delivery vehicles.
Snow dumped into loading/ unloading zone causes problems
Access for loading/ unloading needs to remain clear
Piles of shoveled snow are barrier for bus stop.
Clearing curb ramp zones of improperly dumped snow improves pedestrian crossings
Snow scooped by plows can create obstacles for pedestrian
Corners
It is important to clear the corners so pedestrians and drivers can discern the traveled edge. Ideally the entire corner would be cleared but as a minimum clear the curb ramps with a 5 foot long landing area back of the ramps
Corner undefined
Corner and ramp clear
Catch Basins and Drains
Keeping the drainage structures free of snow will facilitate drainage as the snow melts preventing ponding at the intersections
Ponding in the street
Residential
Homeowners, property managers and residents should maintain a path of travel along their frontage. Maintaining access will assist both you and your neighbors in traveling to stores, buses or just out for a walk in the snow.
Maintaining at least a shovel width will assist but ideally clear about 4 feet.
Snow also causes vertical obstacles as branches bend due to weight of snow
Place shoveled snow on the edge of the walk. Do not place the snow in the curb zone as that would impede vehicles. Residents that live on corners should clear the sidewalk at the corner so neighbors can see the edge of the street. Neighbors can also assist the City to by keeping drainage structures free of snow and debris.
Ideas Under Development
Snow Removal Patrols:
- Snow and Inclement Weather neighborhood helper patrol
- Downtown and Urban Village Assistance Teams
- Business Improvement Districts cost sharing for snow removal
- Metropolitan improvement districts
- Downtown Associations
Businesses/Residents will sign up to be in charge of their block or business district. Every October the lead contact will receive 3 snow shovels; 1 flat shovel and three brooms and 6 green waste bags. They will arrange a fall block clean up and enlist or assign businesses to shovel snow in advance of an expected snow fall.
Other:
Arrange consistent leaf pick up day for downtown businesses and urban village commercial zones.
Isolated shoveling
