[blparent] Off-topic sidewalks I can't get through because of snow.

[Steve Jacobson]

Tara,

First, I agree with you that it is worth trying to find a solution to this
rather than just assuming that paratransit is the only way around it.  We
have a lot of snow and ice here in Minneapolis, and there is a city law that
walks must be cleared within 24 hours.  However, that doesn't mean they are
cleared well, and sometimes one has to get somewhere before the 24 hours are
up.

To make any kind of meaningful suggestions, it is necessary to understand
more about what you are encountering.  

What do you mean when you say the sidewalk is blocked?  Is there large piles
of snow across the walk or is it more that it has not been shoveled so there
are several inches of loose snow covering it?  

How far do you have to walk on uncleared sidewalk to get to the
transportation you need?

Is this primarily a business or residential area, and is the city
responsible for clearing the sidewalks or is it the responsibility of the
residents?  

How busy are the streets?  I would not rule them out, but some thought needs
to be given to maximize safety.

For many of us, winter is simply a necessary part of life, but it brings
with it somechallenges.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

----Original Message-----
From: BlParent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tara Briggs
via BlParent
Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2015 1:34 PM
To: Blind Parents Mailing List <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tara Briggs <thflute at gmail.com>
Subject: [blparent] Off-topic sidewalks I can't get through because of snow.

 Hi all, I am writing with a question that might or might not be off topic.
The sidewalks from my house are so badly blocked with snow that I would need
to walk into the street to get to public transportation.this concerns me
because I have my 16-month-old daughter that I carry on my back and I don't
really like the idea of walking out into the street with her.have you guys
had any luck resolving this issue? I have tried the city manager who
complains about how annoying the businesses are and then has his guys shovel
it a couple times a year I have tried the mayors office who tells me to use
Paratransittransportation.  I do not like this idea because you can wait for
up to 30 minutes in the cold waiting for your ride. It would take me less
time to walk to transportation than that. Addition, it's four dollars a ride
and I don't want to spend that money. The other problem I have with it is
you have to schedule it the day before. I feel I have a right to leave my
house and take transportation when I want to. Not when you Teays paratransit
says I can.I have now tried the disability Law Center who says they'll get
back to you in a couple days.anyway, any help or suggestions of what you
guys have done on this particular issue that has worked would be great!
Thanks
Tara

Sent from my iPhone
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