Tonight, @ProvocCities and I went out for a couple of hours clearing snow and ice from bus stops and crosswalks in the 46th ward.

I’m exhausted, frustrated, and more determined than ever that sidewalk snow clearing must be the onus of @chicago. #walkablewinters

What @JamesCappleman proposes for organizing community members is literally the city’s policy, but the truth about that is it’s a lot of time and money–a task best handled by a city agency.

And when snow is ignored on sidewalks it piles up and becomes ice. WAY harder to clear.

It took us 45+ mins to clear two stops on Broadway. Notice the road is completely clear, because @StreetsandSan has done multiple passes (5 trucks passed us even though the streets were fine). Prior to the thaw-freeze, it would’ve taken probably only 10 mins to clear both.

It was obvious this stop had been cleared previously, but because of the lack of a coordinated response in clearing snow for *all* street users, plows had undone the work, which then turned to ice. Additionally, no thought had been put into ensuring space for the ADA bus ramps.

At that same intersection there were crosswalks that were impassible for wheelchair users and dangerous for everyone else. We moved a boulder-sized chunk of ice and cleared sludge that plows ignored.

This bus stop had sort of been cleared, but is completely inaccessible for people using wheelchairs. It was too much for a couple of guys with shovels, but a plow or bobcat could make quick work of it.

Seconds later, the cyclist continued on without using the protected bike lane. Legally it’s supposed to be plowed by the city, but @ChicagoDOT and @StreetsandSan point fingers and it doesn’t happen without furious tweets and 311 complaints. But the car lanes are totally clear.

This alley was completely impassible by a wheelchair previously. It was quick work for me, but how long has it been this way? @StreetsandSan does multiple passes to make sure SUV drivers have clear pavement, but people in wheelchairs are beholden to the whims of property owners.

I tried to take a @DivvyBikes home, but the station was “out of service” because all of the bikes were buried in snow. Who is responsible for clearing Divvy stations? Property owners? @ChicagoDOT? @lyft?

The city’s sidewalk snow clearing policy is an ADA violation. It’s climate denial, prioritizing cars above more efficient and clean forms of transportation. It’s hostile against anyone who dares not be able to afford a car or chooses to take a walk or go for a bike ride.

It’s time for the City of @Chicago to stop abdicating its responsibility to clear sidewalks. Please sign our petition and share it with all your friends and neighbors and call your alderperson. #walkablewinters http://betterstreetschicago.org/walkable-winters