Philadelphians with Disabilities Struggle with Uncleared Snow

Untraversable sidewalks and crosswalks leave some residents homebound after major snowstorm

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Residents of Philadelphia, especially those with disabilities, are facing difficulties navigating uncleared snow and ice on sidewalks and crosswalks in the aftermath of the city's biggest snowstorm in a decade. Several wheelchair users and pedestrians with mobility issues have been unable to leave their homes or access public transportation due to the hazardous conditions.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the accessibility challenges that people with disabilities often face during extreme weather events, and the need for better coordination between city officials and residents to ensure safe passage for all. Uncleared sidewalks not only restrict mobility, but also pose serious safety risks for vulnerable populations.

The details

Multiple Philadelphia residents, including Latoya Maddox, Robert Coates, and Cornell Garrett, have reported being unable to leave their homes or access public transit due to snow and ice blocking sidewalks and crosswalks. City officials say they are prioritizing clearing crosswalks and disability ramps, but are still working to clear all roads four days after the weekend snowstorm. Under Philadelphia Code 10-720, property owners are responsible for removing snow from their sidewalks within six hours after snowfall, but penalties range from only $50 to $300.

  • The major snowstorm hit Philadelphia over the weekend.
  • Four days after the snowstorm, the city is still working to clear all roads.

The players

Latoya Maddox

A Philadelphia resident confined to a wheelchair who has been unable to leave her home in Kensington due to uncleared snow and ice.

Robert Coates

A Nicetown resident confined to a wheelchair who was unable to access the sidewalk ramp due to uncleared snow.

Cornell Garrett

A Nicetown resident who uses a walking stick and had difficulty getting to his bus stop due to snow and ice on the sidewalk.

Philadelphia Code 10-720

A city ordinance that requires property owners to remove snow from their sidewalks within six hours after snowfall, with penalties ranging from $50 to $300.

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What they’re saying

“Hard time maneuvering in your wheelchair. You're going to get stuck. As you can see the ramp would be right here but it's all iced over.”

— Latoya Maddox (NBC10)

“I ain't going nowhere.”

— Robert Coates (NBC10)

“I walk down there out in the street and I came up over the mound. I have to walk in the street which is very dangerous. A lot of these walkways are not even open.”

— Cornell Garrett (NBC10)

What’s next

City officials say they are continuing to prioritize clearing crosswalks and disability ramps, but it may take additional time to clear all roads and sidewalks in the aftermath of the major snowstorm.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the urgent need for better coordination between city officials and residents to ensure accessible and safe passage for people with disabilities during extreme weather events. Improving snow removal efforts and enforcement of sidewalk clearing ordinances could help mitigate the mobility challenges faced by vulnerable populations.