Walking headfirst into a winter pandemic

By Peter and Tracy Flucke

Special to The Press Times

BROWN COUNTY – The 2020-21 winter will be our first during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the warm-weather months, people walked and bicycled in unprecedented numbers to protect their physical and mental health.

Nearly 100,000 more people used the Fox River Trail in March, April and May of 2020 compared to 2019.

But what’s going to happen when it gets cold and snowy outside?

During the cold-weather months, many of us normally head inside or to Florida, but not this year.

To slow the spread of the virus, we’re being asked to limit our travel and not gather in large numbers, particularly inside.

Fortunately, we can still go outside.

We Wisconsinites are a hardy bunch.

We ice fish, snowmobile, sled, cross-country and downhill ski, snowshoe, walk, run and bicycle in the winter.

When we do venture outside, though, you’ll typically find slippery, snow-covered (or blocked) sidewalks, streets and trails.

This is fine if you’re snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but what if you want to go for a walk? What if you’re in a wheelchair?

Our outdoor spaces are still available, but we need to make them accessible.

Sidewalks, streets and trails must be maintained for the safety and convenience of everyone.

If a person in a wheelchair can use the sidewalk, we all can.

To get through these difficult times, we all have to help.

Individuals and business owners

• Shovel, salt or sand your sidewalk and curb ramps as soon as possible.
• No sidewalk? Clear the street 5 feet out from the curb in front of your house.
• Help dig out your neighbors and local trails.
• Report uncleared sidewalks, streets and trails to your municipality.
• Ask for help if needed.

Municipalities

• Remind residents and businesses of snow removal requirements before the first snowfall.
• Clear all public roads, sidewalks, curb cuts, medians and trails promptly.
• Prioritize snow removal on sidewalks and trails, along with roadways.
• Enforce snow-removal ordinances (usually 24 hours).
• Train staff to identify, report and remedy impediments to walking.
• Use heavy equipment to assist businesses and residents, as needed.
• Identify the process for residents to report problem areas and encourage use.

Shining examples

• The Fox River Trail is cleared of snow from the City of Green Bay south to Heritage Road in the City of De Pere through a cooperative agreement between Brown County, Green Bay, Allouez, and De Pere.
• The Titletown District, near Lambeau Field, is accessible to people of all ages and abilities year-round.
• The Broadway District, in Downtown Green Bay, is working on a plan to improve winter accessibility.

We can all be shining examples. If we work together (individuals, businesses, municipalities), we can make this our best winter ever.

Editor’s notes: Peter and Tracy Flucke are authors of the book “Coast to Coast on a Tandem” and owners of WE BIKE, etc., a national bicycle and pedestrian consulting business based in Ashwaubenon. Send questions to info@webike.org.