C’mon, folks! Let’s shovel more than paths to our cars.

Winter Walkers Need Safe Streets

Shoveling your sidewalk is a great way to be help pedestrians and a be good neighbor. When sidewalks are left unshoveled for days, ice accumulates and it becomes hazardous to walk down the street. So while walking is the most natural form of human travel, Pittsburghers are forced to skate on ice when their neighbors choose not to shovel or sweep the snow from the sidewalk.

Census numbers show that more than 1 in every 10 Pittsburgh workers walk to their jobsite as their primary form of transportation. The concrete in front of your house is that pedestrian’s freeway and snow removal delays (in the form of unshoveled walks) can make for a dangerous, harrowing commute. By shoveling your walk you’re helping someone get to work safely. And if you need more encouragement, please note that city law requires property occupants to shovel their sidewalk and you can be cited for not complying.

City Code 419.03:  (This is copied from an all caps website, we’re not yelling at you.)

EVERY TENANT, OCCUPANT, OR PROPERTY OWNER HAVING THE CARE OR CHARGE OF ANY LAND OR BUILDING FRONTING ON ANY STREET IN THE CITY, WHERE THERE IS A SIDEWALK…WITHIN 24HRS AFTER THE FALL OF ANY SNOW OR SLEET, OR THE ACCUMULATION OF ICE CAUSED BY FREEZING RAINFALL, CAUSE THE SAME TO BE REMOVED FROM THE SIDEWALK.

If you or someone you know is older or disabled and can’t shovel…

The City of Pittsburgh has a Snow Angels program to pair residents with neighbors who will help them with snow removal. Click here to check it out, and become a volunteer or recommend the program to a friend.

Feeling kindhearted? Lend a hand.

Perhaps your neighbor is older, a busy single parent, disabled, or just plain lazy. Whatever the reason may be, if you’re out shoveling snow and their walk isn’t clear, spend a few extra minutes helping a neighbor out. Another community members might pay it forward the next time it snows, and if they don’t, just shrug it off and make yourself a rewarding cup of hot chocolate.

Don’t want to shovel?

If you simply don’t want to get out there and shovel, make arrangements to have your walk cleared. There is probably a kid in your neighborhood who would love to earn a few bucks shoveling. Here’s an idea, start a snow shoveling fund with your neighbors and give the kids something to do during their 2-hour delay.

Say thanks!

When you see someone shoveling, thank them for keeping their sidewalk clear. A little bit of positive reinforcement goes a long way. Or encourage a neighbor or business owner to shovel. Download our fliers and distribute them to residents and businesses near you. (H/t to our friends at Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago for this great idea.)