New York City's Snow Problem: A Hazard for All But Those With the Means to Overcome It
The Big Apple is an obstacle course in more ways than one, but as the city struggles to clear snow from pedestrian pathways after last weekend's winter storm, its most vulnerable residents are facing a nightmare. With freezing temperatures expected to stick around for much of the week, many New Yorkers are having to navigate an icy, snowy gauntlet just to get out and about.
While some may be able to trudge through the drifts with ease, others are finding it impossible to move from one place to another without risking injury or falling. The city's "patience" plea from officials rings hollow for those who can't afford the luxury of a slow and painful cleanup.
The truth is, many crosswalks throughout the city remain blocked by mounds of snow on Tuesday, forcing pedestrians into the street or onto narrow walkways carved out by foot traffic. Private property owners are required to shovel their own sidewalks, including paths to crosswalks if they're on the corner, and risk fines if they don't comply.
For those who rely on public transportation, the B38 bus in Ridgewood was waiting for riders to stand because the snow-covered spot where they'd usually stand was impassable. Meanwhile, others like June Robinson had to take a detour through a nearby cleared driveway just to get to her job at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.
The city's own infrastructure is proving to be a challenge for those with mobility issues. "Today, kids and parents faced a treacherous, thick path of snow and some fell," wrote one Twitter user in frustration. The fact is, for many people who use crutches or rollators, this isn't just an inconvenience – it's an impassable obstacle.
Even the city's own agencies are struggling to keep up with the cleanup. As of early Tuesday morning, DOT contractors had cleared 75% of bus shelters, but sidewalks and freestanding bus stops remain a priority for the Department of Sanitation.
As the city struggles to keep pace with the snow, one thing is clear: those who need help most are being left behind. "We had a member that... literally went outside the front door and turned back around, and was just defeated by the snow," said Autrice Wildman, director of Encore Community Service's Lifelong Learning Center.
It's time for city officials to acknowledge that this isn't just a matter of patience – it's a public health crisis. Those who can't afford to navigate these treacherous streets need help now, not when the sun comes out again.
The Big Apple is an obstacle course in more ways than one, but as the city struggles to clear snow from pedestrian pathways after last weekend's winter storm, its most vulnerable residents are facing a nightmare. With freezing temperatures expected to stick around for much of the week, many New Yorkers are having to navigate an icy, snowy gauntlet just to get out and about.
While some may be able to trudge through the drifts with ease, others are finding it impossible to move from one place to another without risking injury or falling. The city's "patience" plea from officials rings hollow for those who can't afford the luxury of a slow and painful cleanup.
The truth is, many crosswalks throughout the city remain blocked by mounds of snow on Tuesday, forcing pedestrians into the street or onto narrow walkways carved out by foot traffic. Private property owners are required to shovel their own sidewalks, including paths to crosswalks if they're on the corner, and risk fines if they don't comply.
For those who rely on public transportation, the B38 bus in Ridgewood was waiting for riders to stand because the snow-covered spot where they'd usually stand was impassable. Meanwhile, others like June Robinson had to take a detour through a nearby cleared driveway just to get to her job at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center.
The city's own infrastructure is proving to be a challenge for those with mobility issues. "Today, kids and parents faced a treacherous, thick path of snow and some fell," wrote one Twitter user in frustration. The fact is, for many people who use crutches or rollators, this isn't just an inconvenience – it's an impassable obstacle.
Even the city's own agencies are struggling to keep up with the cleanup. As of early Tuesday morning, DOT contractors had cleared 75% of bus shelters, but sidewalks and freestanding bus stops remain a priority for the Department of Sanitation.
As the city struggles to keep pace with the snow, one thing is clear: those who need help most are being left behind. "We had a member that... literally went outside the front door and turned back around, and was just defeated by the snow," said Autrice Wildman, director of Encore Community Service's Lifelong Learning Center.
It's time for city officials to acknowledge that this isn't just a matter of patience – it's a public health crisis. Those who can't afford to navigate these treacherous streets need help now, not when the sun comes out again.
Come on people! The snow is bad enough without having to deal with the added stress of potentially hurting ourselves just trying to get around. I mean, how are those with mobility issues supposed to cope? 
They're already struggling to manage their daily lives as it is. It's not fair that they have to navigate icy sidewalks and crosswalks just because others can't be bothered to shovel their own property.
Those bus shelters may have been cleared, but what about the rest of the infrastructure? It's not like people are going to risk life and limb just to get to the nearest bus stop.
We can do better than this.
AND FOR THOSE WITH MOBILITY ISSUES, IT'S NOT JUST AN INCONVENIENCE, IT'S A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION. WE NEED TO SEE SOME REAL ACTION FROM THE CITY OFFICIALS AND SOME KIND OF SUPPORT FOR OUR MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS 
It's like the city forgot that there are still humans with disabilities or mobility issues who can't just "tough it out" 
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It's like they're saying, "Hey, we don't care if you fall and break your hip – that's just life in NYC!" 
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. I mean, come on, 75% of bus shelters cleared? That's not gonna cut it when you gotta get around with crutches or a walker 
. The city needs to do better than just saying "be patient" – they need to take action and provide support for those who really need it 
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thats just not fair 
this is so unfair! people with disabilities are being left behind and its not just about patience, its about accessibility and equality. the city needs to step up its game and provide more resources for cleaning sidewalks and bus shelters ASAP! 
dot contractors clearing 75% of bus shelters but sidewalks r still a mess 
and dont even get me started on ppl who cant afford a snow blower lol just use public transportation or walk (if u can) 
u know whats even more messed up than the snow problem in nyc?? its that ppl who r struggling just cant even get around without breaking a leg or hurting themselves 
nyc needs 2 step up their game on this one & make sure everyone's got access, not just the wealthy 
I'm so fed up with this city being like a cruel joke for some people. It's time for them to step up and do something about it, not just make excuses or say "oh, it's a matter of patience" 
i cant even imagine having to walk through all that snow & ice its like the city is saying "good luck" to ppl with disabilities or elderly people 
i feel so bad for ppl like june robinson who had to take a detour thru some random driveway just to get to work 
ugh, i mean... have you ever really thought about how privilege plays out in things like this? like, i'm all for a good ol' fashioned snow day, but when it affects people who are literally struggling to get by, it's a whole different story. 
it's not just a matter of clearing sidewalks, it's about creating a system that values and prioritizes the most vulnerable members of our community. 
The fact that some folks are having to go through driveways or stand outside waiting for buses is absolutely unacceptable. Our city should be doing more to support its most vulnerable residents, especially when it comes to infrastructure like snow removal.