what is it?
The Snow Squad is a network of volunteers who keep key pedestrian and bicycle ways clear of snow and ice. We also advocate for the city to keep these ways clear, and to enforce the sidewalk clearing laws.
participate
- Connect on Facebook (updates on what we've
done and our current campaigns):
- Edit the map to let us know of spots that need clearing, and update the status of trails and sidewalks (follow the link, click 'Save to My Maps', then Edit). You can also contact us (see below) and we'll put it on the map.
- Report an unshoveled sidewalk to the city.
- Need help clearing your sidewalk? Let us know your situation and we may be able to help. E-mail us at snow AT weatherbeard DOT com.
Northampton Snow Squad
This is a map of the current conditions of the trails and ways. Red = not plowed or cleared, Yellow = passable with cautions, Green = passable by bike, Light Blue = no report. View Northampton Snow Squad in a larger map (you can edit it too!)
why a snow squad?
If you get around by foot, bicycle or wheelchair in the winter in Northampton, Massachusetts, you've probably noticed that it can get difficult after a snowstorm.
The priorities of our city are still heavily weighted toward automobile traffic. The Department of Public Works has been instructed to clear some of the bikeways in town, but many of the essential connections from bikeway to street and key shortcuts are ignored, leaving those of us who travel by foot or bike to fend for ourselves.
The streets are cleared quickly by the DPW after a storm, and the sidewalks are cleared by property owners. City ordinance requires property owners to clear the sidewalks on their property, but many don't or can't, and they are only required to clear the sidewalk 24 hours after a storm has ended. By that time, any sidewalk with significant foot traffic can become a rutted, icy mess. One of our tasks is to work with the city and the police to increase enforcement of the sidewalk clearing laws and to help those who can't clear their sidewalks.