New York City, a vibrant capital city known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, is an exciting place to be. It can be a very dangerous place to walk. Uneven sidewalks, cracked concrete and other common problems can cause people to trip over or fall. To create a safe environment, a sidewalk that is in good condition is necessary. In our city, we see many cracked and damaged Sidewalks.
Dangers lurking beneath us
Trips and falls can lead to serious injuries such as head injuries, fractured bones and even spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be painful, expensive, and prevent you from working. These accidents can result in more than just pain. These accidents can cause emotional stress and even affect your life.
Who is responsible for fixing the sidewalk?
Most often, the owner of the building is responsible for the repair of sidewalks that are adjacent to it. This includes businesses and apartment buildings with four or more units. There are a few exceptions, though.
- Small homes: One-, two-, and three-family houses are usually not responsible for their sidewalks.
- Damage caused by tree roots: Sidewalks on streets with city trees or plantings may be the responsibility of the city.
These common sidewalk hazards can cause you problems.
- Uneven surfaces: Raised areas or sudden changes to the sidewalk level can be dangerous for people with mobility problems, children, and elderly adults.
- Cracks and Holes: Large cracks in the sidewalk or large holes are dangerous, especially when they’re wet. You may find it difficult to walk on loose or missing tiles if you’re in a hurry.
- Tree roots: Growing tree roots under the surface of the sidewalk can make the area uneven and dangerous.
- Ice and snow: It can make sidewalks slippery and increase the risk of falling.
Stay safe by following these simple steps:
It would be best if you repair damaged sidewalks as quickly as possible. Here are some ideas you can use.
- Take pictures: Take photos of the damaged area to document the issue.
- Hire a Professional: Get an estimate from someone who knows how to fix sidewalks.
- Check with your local building department to see if any permits are required.
- Follow the building codes in your city, especially those that are related to people with disabilities.
- Regular Inspection: Inspect your sidewalk regularly and fix any damage.
The Role of the City
The city has a key role to play in ensuring the safety of sidewalks. NYC DOT has the primary responsibility for maintaining sidewalks. The City replaces over two million square feet of sidewalk every year and makes it safe for all. The city can adopt laws to force property owners repair sidewalks and pay for repairs. They also regularly inspect the sidewalks. The city ensures that sidewalks in winter are clear of snow and ice for overall pedestrian safety.
Climate Change Impact
Climate change can increase sidewalk problems. Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and heat waves can damage sidewalks. To combat this issue, you must use better materials and designs when building sidewalks.
Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety
Everybody should be concerned with the safety of their sidewalks. By identifying and fixing sidewalk hazards, we can increase the safety in our communities.
Need Sidewalk Repairs?
NY Concrete will handle your sidewalk repair needs. Our team of professionals offers a wide range of services.
- We will thoroughly inspect your sidewalk to make sure it is in good condition.
- We repair all cracks and holes using the latest technology.
- We can replace entire sidewalks, or sections that are damaged.
- We adhere strictly to all city laws and rules especially for people with disabilities.
Don’t let a damaged sidewalk put your safety at risk. You can make your neighbourhood more beautiful and much safer by contacting NY Concrete today.