[Vision2020] SIDEWALKS: Shoe Traction Devices

[Donovan Arnold]

Janesta, Kit, and other who hate slipping on ice,
  
  With Asperger's, I have little coordination and balance, hence I am  prone to fall frequently. I have found that if I use a foot traction  device I do not slip, or shall I say, cannot slip, on ice and smooth  surfaces. The specific device I use is called "Get a Grip", which is a  rubber strap that goes onto the bottom of my shoes. They are easy to  take on and off and fit almost any shoe I own.
  
 They use  replaceable carbide spikes. These spikes go into the ice and give  excellent traction, you cannot slip no matter how slick the ice. The  spikes are very small and do not hurt commercial carpet or tile. They  are however, not good on hardwood floors or soft indoor home kitchen  tiles. 
  
 There are only two down sides to them. One is that  they make an odd noise when walk on hard tile or concrete. But you can  easily take them off and put them in your pocket. The other thing is  they might make you look like a dork. But since I am a dork it does not  bother me that much. Even though you cannot slip, keep in mind, it  prevents slipping not tripping. 
  
 I of course bought mine at  Tri-State, they are located between the shoes and cash register  section. But I am sure you can find them other places or order them  online if you want or if they do not have your size. There are also two  other kinds of these foot traction devices. One uses chains, good for  going up snowy mountains and hills, and another kind that uses a spiral  metal cord. They all run about $15-$30 a pair depending on the kind and  model. 
  
 I really like mine, and have not fallen with them  on. I find this much easier than arguing with the Greek houses, UI, the  city, business and home owners to take care of their sidewalks; because  they are not going to, they could care less, obviously. It is $20 well  spent. 
  
  Take Care,
  
  Donovan J Arnold
  
  
  
  

Kit Craine <kcraine at moscow.com> wrote:  Hear. Hear.

As the walker of an elderly dog that could break if she slipped on ice, 
I have raised this issue with the City for a couple of years regarding 
residential sidewalks. Last year, I went so far as to collect addresses 
and complain to the police. The dispatcher didn’t seem to know what to 
do--or how to report--a rather long list. Granted, 9 of the 13 I 
reported in ONE block had their sidewalks cleared the next day, but I 
had to call and recall concerning the others. According to the code, if 
the sidewalk isn’t cleared within 24 hours of the notice, the City will 
do it and bill the owner. I guess Ma Nature works for the street 
department.

For as long as I can remember, the City’s response to problems related 
to snow is that it doesn’t happen enough to worry about--or to change 
their procedures. As many can attest, it only takes a split second to 
slip, fall, and land with a broken bone. The few minutes someone spends 
clearing their sidewalk can save another months of pain and big medical 
bills. If property owners don’t fulfill their responsibilities, the 
City should take an active roll in protecting public safety.

I don’t believe it is my job to police the sidewalks--it is the City’s. 
Perhaps if enough citizens tell the new Mayor and Council that this is 
important, something might be done. Until then, I, my broken foot, and 
my elderly mother are limiting our ventures into the white world.

Kit Craine

On Dec 6, 2005, at 2:20 PM, Janesta Carcich wrote:

> Greetings!
>
> Isn’t it a gorgeous day out today? This is my favorite
> kind of winter day. There is a lot of fresh white
> snow, and a brilliant blue sky. A perfect day to go
> Christmas shopping downtown, I would love to, but I
> can't.
>
> Many of the sidewalks are as slick as the skating rink
> at the fair grounds.  It seems like every year when we
> have snow like this, we go though the long process of
> talking, and then talking about the police warning
> businesses, then, talk some more about giving a
> tickets. Most of us have lived in Moscow long enough
> to know it is our responsibility to keep our sidewalks
> clear.
>
> Four years ago, I had both knees replaced. My
> physician advised me, if I were to slip and fall on
> the ice,(or whatever) I would be seriously injured. He
> told me that most of the time, the break is right
> above the shin, where the titanium prosthesis is
> screwed into my bone. If this happened, I would
> possibly spend up to four months in the hospital, or
> lose my leg, or legs below the knee.
>
> To be safe, I have to stay home. The money I would be
> spending downtown shopping is being spent on the
> Internet Christmas shopping.
>
> It would behoove those businesses that don’t keep
> their walks clear, to do so. In the long run, you will
> make money. Not only by having more shoppers, but also
> by not having to pay the medical bills if someone
> injures themselves in front of your business.
>
> People who use a wheelchair can’t get out now, even
> those with electric ones. I have many friends who use
> a chair as their only means of transportation. They
> are stuck at home. How would you like to be stuck at
> home? It is no fun. People who use crutches, canes, or
> are otherwise unsteady on their feet are also at dire
> risk.... and not shopping on Main Street.
>
> I noticed several places today as I drove on Main
> Street today
. You know who you are. It isn’t only
> Main Street. Even the high school sidewalk is bad!!
>
> If you can’t keep your walk clear due to a physical
> problem, I am certain there are many people out there
> who are eager to earn some money keeping your walk ice
> free.
>
>
> Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
>
> Janesta Carcich
>
>
>
>
>   
> __________________________________________
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>
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