"Don't Walk": Misadventures On Foot in the Suburbs

Did you know?

Nobody walks in the suburbs.

This is an exaggeration, of course, but what is true, at least in the United States, is that most suburbs are clearly car-centric.  As a lifelong walker, I often find the suburbs to be hostile territory, especially during this time of year. 

Why? Two words.  Unshoveled sidewalks.

Yesterday I had occasion to run an errand in one of the suburbs of Chicago.  I rode out on the commuter bus, which was a pleasant enough experience, even if the ride was a bit slow.  The fun began once I actually stepped off the bus at my stop.

Crossing the highway wasn't difficult - there are traffic lights which moderate traffic in all directions.  However, once I made it to the other side, I was obliged to walk in the street for half a block with cars whizzing uncomfortably close by.  Why? The sidewalks were covered with more than foot of untouched snow.  I was relieved when I was finally able to duck into the plowed and salted parking lot and make my way to the store.

I went to another store just down the highway, normally less than a 10 minute walk.  On this occasion the trek took at least 20 minutes, with hair raising encounters with fast moving traffic as I ducked into and out of parking lots, all of which had been plowed and salted.  The embankments of snow accumulated on the impassible sidewalks were sometimes nearly my height.  I am 5'6" tall.

Waiting for the bus was no better.   Although the bus stop was sheltered, it was not heated, and the sidewalk was barely cleared.   I shivered on packed down snow for 20 minutes as I waited to wave the bus down.

For me, this situation was an irritating inconvenience.  I am in good health and have complete mobility, not to mention a very warm coat and waterproof boots.  I have no idea how a senior or someone who uses a wheelchair would have coped.

This situation is not limited to public walkways in commercial areas.  On more than one occasion in residential neighborhoods, I have been faced with the dilemma of risking broken bones on slippery, unshoveled sidewalks or playing tag with the cars on the streets.

Over the past several years, I have become very committed to promoting sustainable urban development.  I created a group by that very name on LinkedIn and on Ning.   The membership of the group on both platforms is international in composition and growing in numbers.  Sustainability is clearly an idea whose time has come.

Nonetheless, incidents like this one are discouraging.  With all the talk of "going green," the assumption that it is unnecessary to clear sidewalks during the winter is completely contrary to promoting sustainable development.  Walkable neighborhoods are a central component of sustainable urban development.  At the risk of belaboring the obvious - walkable neighborhoods cannot exist where it is unsafe or impossible for pedestrians to travel.

This must change.    End of rant.