03/03/2026
Now that the snow has finally melted, it feels like the right moment to reflect on what was an unusually harsh winter in Copenhagen.
For many, the frozen lakes and snow-covered streets created a picture-perfect cityscape. But for others, the same snow and ice turned everyday life into a daily challenge. Imagine navigating icy sidewalks with a stroller, a wheelchair, a cane, or with unsteady footing.
In the world’s biking capital, bike lanes are rightly prioritized for snow clearance. But what we clear first reflects who we prioritize. When pedestrian paths are left covered in snow and ice, the people who rely on them most turn invisible. For people with mobility challenges, clear sidewalks are not a convenience but essential infrastructure to participate in everyday life. And beyond the physical barriers that turn a grocery trip into an obstacle course, there is a deeper impact of increased isolation.
As climate change brings more unpredictable and extreme seasons, we need to raise awareness about the people who depend the most on consistent sidewalk snow clearance. Accessibility of pedestrian paths must remain central in discussions around winter maintenance.
Winter resilience is not just about keeping the city moving. It is about ensuring everyone can. Designing for seasonality is one way to make cities fit everyone, which is what we are working on with URB.ABLE.
For more, see https://urbable.eu/!
