Sidewalk Shortage: Why St. Louis Walkers Are Losing Years
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine trying to navigate St. Louis pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or simply trying to get some exercise on foot. What should be a simple stroll often turns into an obstacle course, a frustrating and potentially dangerous experience. The sad truth is, the state of sidewalks in many St. Louis neighborhoods directly impacts residents’ ability to be physically active, contributing to a less healthy and shorter lifespan.
The connection is undeniable. When sidewalks are cracked, uneven, or simply nonexistent, people are less likely to walk. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about safety and accessibility.
Consider the Baden neighborhood in North St. Louis. A walk through Baden reveals a patchwork of broken and missing sidewalks, forcing pedestrians into the street, often with limited visibility for drivers. This creates a dangerous environment, especially for children and the elderly. The lack of safe pedestrian routes discourages walking to nearby parks like Baden Park, further limiting opportunities for physical activity.
Similarly, in parts of Carondelet, particularly south of Loughborough Avenue, the sidewalk infrastructure is severely lacking. Residents often have to choose between walking on narrow, crumbling sidewalks or venturing onto busy streets without designated pedestrian walkways. This situation disproportionately affects senior citizens residing in the area, limiting their ability to access local businesses and social activities.
These aren’t isolated incidents. A 2022 study by the St. Louis Department of Health found a strong correlation between neighborhoods with poor sidewalk infrastructure and higher rates of obesity and cardiovascular disease. The study specifically highlighted the Wells-Goodfellow and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods as areas with significant sidewalk deficiencies and corresponding health disparities.
So, what can St. Louis residents do to address this critical issue? The first step is understanding your rights and responsibilities. St. Louis City Ordinance 26.20.010 outlines the responsibilities for sidewalk maintenance. While the city is responsible for maintaining sidewalks adjacent to city-owned property, the primary responsibility for sidewalk repair and maintenance falls on the adjacent property owner.
This is where things get tricky. Many residents are unaware of this ordinance, and even those who are may lack the resources to afford costly repairs. This is especially true in lower-income neighborhoods where property values are lower and residents are already struggling to make ends meet.
However, ignorance is not bliss. Neglecting sidewalk repairs can result in fines from the city. The city’s Department of Streets offers a cost-sharing program to assist residents with sidewalk repairs, but the application process can be cumbersome and funding is limited.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to advocating for improved sidewalk infrastructure in your neighborhood:
Document the problem: Take photos and videos of damaged or missing sidewalks in your neighborhood. Note the specific locations and the nature of the damage.
Report the issue: Contact the St. Louis Citizens’ Service Bureau (CSB) at 314-622-4800 or submit a request online through the city’s website. Be sure to provide detailed information and include your photos and videos.
Contact your Alderperson: Your Alderperson is your representative in the city government. They can advocate for your neighborhood’s needs and help secure funding for sidewalk repairs. Find your Alderperson’s contact information on the city’s website.
Organize your neighbors: Strength in numbers. Talk to your neighbors about the sidewalk issues in your neighborhood and work together to advocate for change. Consider forming a neighborhood association or joining an existing one.
Attend community meetings: Attend community meetings and voice your concerns about sidewalk infrastructure. This is an opportunity to speak directly to city officials and other stakeholders.
Advocate for policy changes: Advocate for changes to the city’s sidewalk maintenance ordinance to make it more equitable and accessible. Consider proposing a dedicated funding stream for sidewalk repairs in low-income neighborhoods.
A common pitfall is assuming that the city will automatically address sidewalk issues. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Residents must be proactive in reporting problems and advocating for solutions. Another challenge is overcoming apathy. Many residents feel powerless to effect change, but even small actions can make a difference.
For example, residents in the Tower Grove East neighborhood successfully lobbied the city to prioritize sidewalk repairs along Morgan Ford Road, a major commercial corridor. By working together and engaging with their Alderperson, they were able to secure funding for much-needed improvements.
Another success story comes from the Shaw neighborhood, where residents organized a “Sidewalk Saturday” event to repair minor sidewalk damage themselves. This not only improved the safety of the sidewalks but also fostered a sense of community.
The lack of accessible sidewalks isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a public health issue. By taking action and advocating for change, St. Louis residents can create safer, more walkable neighborhoods and promote healthier, longer lives for themselves and their neighbors. Don’t let broken sidewalks break your spirit or your health. Get involved and make a difference. The future of St. Louis depends on it, one step at a time.