Id like to second Emily's point on buried sidewalks during winter months, sidewalks should be part of the DOT as it is a transportation method just like automobiles are. It should be taken just as serious if not not even more since active transportation users are far more vulnerable than drivers. If roads can get cleared of snow so should sidewalks as it's just as important.
Everyone should have the right to get around safely all year round no matter what they use to be mobile.
During the recent Winter Walk to School event on February 12, 2026, my daughter and I walked 1.2 miles to school following a thaw and refreeze cycle. Many sidewalks along our route were covered in thick, uneven ice and were effectively unusable in places. On multiple stretches, we chose to walk in the roadway — something I would normally never do — because the street provided safer, more stable footing than the adjacent sidewalk, which remained icy despite the road being fully clear and dry. That contrast highlights a structural policy issue. Our city maintains a connected roadway network in winter, while sidewalk maintenance depends largely on individual property owners and complaint-driven enforcement. The result is a patchwork system where pedestrian safety and access vary block by block. We would not accept a transportation network where some streets were passable and others were not; connectivity is considered essential for people traveling by car. Sidewalks are also part of our public transportation network, particularly for students, seniors, and residents who cannot or choose not to drive. I am asking Council to consider whether our current snow removal model aligns with the city’s stated goals around safety, active transportation, Safe Routes to School, and environmental sustainability. Encouraging walking and reducing vehicle dependence requires a pedestrian network that is reliable year-round, including during winter conditions. If we want residents to choose walking as a realistic transportation option, consistent sidewalk accessibility must be treated as fundamental infrastructure rather than an individual responsibility that produces uneven results.
I respectfully ask Council to begin a policy discussion about how Lakewood can ensure connected, dependable pedestrian access throughout winter, in the same way we ensure consistent roadway access.
Id like to second Emily's point on buried sidewalks during winter months, sidewalks should be part of the DOT as it is a transportation method just like automobiles are. It should be taken just as serious if not not even more since active transportation users are far more vulnerable than drivers. If roads can get cleared of snow so should sidewalks as it's just as important.
Everyone should have the right to get around safely all year round no matter what they use to be mobile.
During the recent Winter Walk to School event on February 12, 2026, my daughter and I walked 1.2 miles to school following a thaw and refreeze cycle. Many sidewalks along our route were covered in thick, uneven ice and were effectively unusable in places. On multiple stretches, we chose to walk in the roadway — something I would normally never do — because the street provided safer, more stable footing than the adjacent sidewalk, which remained icy despite the road being fully clear and dry. That contrast highlights a structural policy issue. Our city maintains a connected roadway network in winter, while sidewalk maintenance depends largely on individual property owners and complaint-driven enforcement. The result is a patchwork system where pedestrian safety and access vary block by block. We would not accept a transportation network where some streets were passable and others were not; connectivity is considered essential for people traveling by car. Sidewalks are also part of our public transportation network, particularly for students, seniors, and residents who cannot or choose not to drive. I am asking Council to consider whether our current snow removal model aligns with the city’s stated goals around safety, active transportation, Safe Routes to School, and environmental sustainability. Encouraging walking and reducing vehicle dependence requires a pedestrian network that is reliable year-round, including during winter conditions. If we want residents to choose walking as a realistic transportation option, consistent sidewalk accessibility must be treated as fundamental infrastructure rather than an individual responsibility that produces uneven results.
I respectfully ask Council to begin a policy discussion about how Lakewood can ensure connected, dependable pedestrian access throughout winter, in the same way we ensure consistent roadway access.