Sidewalks are a staple infrastructural feature. They are present on the roadside for pedestrians and greatly limit the probability of traffic accidents by making a separate pathway for people on foot. Sidewalks are a necessary requirement in suburban and urban areas and can prevent quite a lot of accidents.
They have also been used to improve the environment as a lot of cities have planted trees or plants every few yards along sidewalks. The existence of trees does play some role in managing the negative impact of carbon emissions from motor vehicles. Sidewalks also look pretty and plants can add to the beauty.
Snow on sidewalks
Since sidewalks are so important that they are legally required, it can get very difficult during the winters when sidewalks may become covered in a thick blanket of snow. As the usual path becomes covered, it prevents sidewalks from performing their usual functions. Pedestrians have no place to move about, and commercial properties that have sidewalks as tier fronts may find themselves going out of operation.
Snow removal from sidewalks is essential. It may not be easy, especially since unlike roads there may be obstructions on the way, like trees or a café’ sitting, but it is more important to clear the path for people who wish to travel by foot.
How to remove snow
Pedestrians already have it hard during winter. They have to brave the brutal cold, withstand the chilly air, and go about their work without the comfort of a car heating system. So finding snow on the sidewalk is just an added disadvantage.
Snow removal from sidewalks requires heavy-duty equipment which can remove large amounts of snow quickly. Since sidewalks cover a large area and are connected, a fast-working machine that is able to load up on tons of snow is a viable option.
Once snow is removed it must be transported to a snow dump. This is because sidewalks are sandwiched between roads and property, so moving the snow to a side is really not an option.
Snow plowers that take the snow and collect it in a suitable place need to be employed in large numbers to clear big city sidewalks.
Keeping sidewalks safe
Since sidewalks are so important for road safety and a means of transport for the vulnerable, like children, the elderly, and the disabled, it is important to keep them safe. Snow on the sidewalks can particularly be very dangerous as it freezes and becomes slippery ice and that can result in severe accidents.
De-icing and removal of snow from the sidewalks is the responsibility of the local government. Similarly, it is the responsibility of individual homeowners to clear off the snow from the sidewalks around their house.
Winter season can be brutal and unforgiving, but we can definitely make it safer for everyone by taking appropriate measures. So clearing not just the roads but also the sidewalks is part of the safety measures that are so important and save multiple lives each year.
Call Elite Landscape Group for snowblowing services in your area.