On the Way
Volume 2, Issue 1
December 2007/January 2008

Bicycling and Walking in the Winter: Tips for Getting Around

Did you know that (in most cities in our region ) property owners are required to remove snow from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall? Do you know the best ways to bike navigate Minnesota streets? Check out these and other tips for walking and bicycling in the winter!

Pedestrians

• Sidewalk Plowing. Minneapolis and St. Paul require that property owners remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours of a snowfall. Property owners are also responsible to clear the curb ramps to street corners, and this includes snow deposited by a City snowplow. Consider organizing your block to share the work.
  
  Shoveling snow into a street or alley is against the law, and you also need to shovel around garbage or recycling carts. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, community groups shovel snow for senior citizens and people with disabilities (for a fee)...call 612-673-3004 for Minneapolis groups and (651) 266-8989 in St. Paul.
  
  The City of Minneapolis even offers free sand to help you out. In St. Paul, the City recommends purchasing sand at your local hardware store or in bulk from construction material supply companies (i.e. T. A. Schifsky & Sons), which can be as low as $1 per 5-gallon bucket. Be sure to bring your own container (for reference, a City of St. Paul blue recycling bin holds 10+ gallons).
  
  Even better, many cities give you the opportunity to report these sidewalk offenders. To report an uncleared sidewalk, call 612-673-2420 in Minneapolis and 651-266-8989 or email snowshovel@ci.stpaul.mn.us in Saint Paul. Most of the Twin Cities suburbs can depend on their City’s parks department to plow sidewalks; give them a call if you have any complaints.

If a sidewalk stays covered in snow for more than a day, a letter is mailed to the address. If nothing happens, city crews come and do the work. The city of St. Paul charges $160 an hour, while Minneapolis charges $300 an hour—plus a $103 citation. In St. Paul, the city actually charges for an excess number of complaints.

Metro Transit clears the snow at the park-and-ride lots it owns and also removes snow from downtown bus shelters, but it doesn’t have the money or staff to clear large areas of sidewalk. Some shelters are shoveled out by private companies that sell advertising on them, and ad-covered benches are handled the same way--there should be phone numbers on those benches that can be called for snow removal. Metro Transit also doesn't clear bus stops. If you have a complaint about a bus shelter or a corner with a bench, call Metro Transit at 612-373-3333.

• Smart Investments. If you plan to do a lot of winter walking, you can invest in some slip-on cleats or chains for your shoes or boots, which really help when walking on snowy or icy sidewalks. You can also invest in a trekking pole that gives you better stability (and a better workout!) on ice. Also remember to dress in layers...warm socks, warm baselayers, hats, jackets, etc.
• Short Trips. Shorter trips are also good for walking. A trip to the grocery store can be fun for the entire family, if parents use a lightweight sled to tote kids on the way and groceries on the way back. Taking the bus to a local restaurant and walking home is also a great way to take advantage of a short trip.

Bicyclists
Many bicyclists ride throughout the winter…seriously! If you are already biking, or considering winter biking, here are some tips from our friends at the City of Minneapolis for dealing with the snow, cold temperatures, and motorists:

• Travel slowly when snow and ice are present.  Riding a bike on a street can be challenging, particularly when snow has been compacted by vehicles.  Ride in bare patches of pavement when possible.  Take turns and curves at a slower speed, and allow longer distances for braking.  Also, be sure to plan ahead for extra travel time.
• Take the off-street trails.  The Twin Cities area has many trails. In Minneapolis, the Park Board and Public Works Department have policies of clearing snow from off-street trails soon after the end of a snowfall.  Leave the grime and compacted snow of the streets behind, and head for the trails!
• Use an old bike in good working condition.  Salt and sand can wreak havoc on your treasured bicycle, resulting in rust and breakdowns. Use an older but functional bicycle in the winter months. Two elements of a well functioning winter bike include effective brakes and a well greased chain (wet lube isideal for snowy conditions). Wider tires with good traction are also essential.
• Dress in layers. Just like other winter sports, bicycling can heat up your body rapidly.  Apply layers to your torso and legs, and be prepared to strip them away as your body warms. 
• Cover your extremities.  All of us have experienced the extremes of a sweating torso and numb ears or toes.  Don’t ignore your head, neck, hands, and feet when you bike.  Comfortable stocking caps, scarves, socks, and gloves (which allow dexterity) should be considered.  And if you want to look extra cool, use goggles.
• Ride defensively around motorists.  Cyclists are more invisible in thewinter (with fewer cyclists riding), and roads are more narrow (when curb-to-curb plowing has not occurred).  Always be prepared for motorists to make a mistake.  Follow traffic laws and be as considerate as possible.  Educate yourself and your friends (motorists and bicyclists alike!) on traffic laws and safety.  Please note, it is legal to ride in a general traffic lane when a bike lane is filled with snow.
• Stay visible.  Riding in the winter months means more darkness.  Brighten your ride by using headlights, taillights, and reflective clothing and gear.
• Use 311.  If you see a bicycle-related problem, which involves plowing, shoveling, signing, or another traffic concern, call 311 in Minneapolis.  If you live outside of Minneapolis, call 612-673-3000.  For problems occurring on park property, call 612-230-6400.
• Use transit.  When the going gets tough, give yourself a warm break by using the bus or train.  All Metro Transit buses and trains are equipped with bicycle racks.
• Embrace winter.  Our identity is shaped by our weather.  Snow and cold temperatures add diversity and beauty to Minnesota  Riding a bicycle in the winter can be exhilarating and practical.  It keeps you in good health, it’s good for the environment, it’s cheap, and at times, it’s even the fastest mode of travel.

Photo Credits: Dancypants, Voidoid21, Emily Law