Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
I'm the furthest thing from a Farkas supporter, but there is something to this. People in wheelchairs or who use walkers have major problems with the windrows created when they do plow. I don't really think that's a bike lane vs. roads issue (I like the bike lanes and they should build more), but I know a number of people affected by this and I do think that more should be done to avoid it. It really does trap these people, and creates a barrier for them.
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This highlights the real issue.
The city doesn't plow sidewalks (unless they border city property), that's a building owner responsibility. The city does plow roads and pathways, so the cycle track being Priority 1 is because wheelchair users and others with mobility issues can use them if the sidewalks are impassable. Accessibility issues have been a long standing problem. Similar to windrows creating barriers at crossings, contractors are paid to clear a bus stop, but the plow wind rows the curb, creating barriers between bus stops and the bus, another accessibility problem (and general safety concern).
The narrative shouldn't be that cycle tracks are getting priority, it should be that areas with high pedestrian traffic where accessibility issues arise aren't the priority. But the solution to the problem costs money, and doesn't win any favor with the 'cut taxes, but also plow and remove snow from my cul-de-sac' crowd.