Winter Pedestrianism: Understanding the Experience of Walking

in a Northern Climate

Gina Sylvestre Department of Geography

University of WinnipegFebruary 13, 2014

Winter Pedestrianism: Mobility and Well-Being

Icy surfaces are one of the leading causes of falls, but the focus of research is on indoor falls related to work environments and long-term care settings for the elderly

Icy and snowy surfaces near melting temperatures are actually more slippery than wet indoor floors

What can research inform? Understanding of how winter conditions impact

mobility Public health interventions that predict the risk of

slips and falls on winter sidewalks Long-term goal of a pedestrian-friendly winter

environment

Winter Pedestrianism: Mobility and Well-Being

Friction of ice is a complex problem Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that are part of a systematic

approach in enhancing the capacity to predict slipperiness of winter walkways

Research on winter pedestrianism has been conducted primarily in northern Europe and Japan

Focus on mechanical test methods illustrates the need for complimentary human-centred approaches

There are gaps in knowledge regarding how pedestrians respond to varying conditions such as loose snow and ice

Measuring Slipperiness Friction of Ice: Slipping occurs when the coefficient of

friction (COF) between footwear and a walkway surface provides insufficient resistance to counteract the resulting force (Gao and Abeysekera 2004, 573).

Mechanically-based measurements of slipperiness Mechanical slip-test methodology with friction-based

criteria Biomechanics of walking: four cycles of gait Slip-resistant footwear Snow clearing and treatments

Measuring Slipperiness

Finish Meteorological Institute: Winter Pavement Condition Predictive Model

Measurement of surface thickness Estimate of prevailing friction Limitations of measurement when high snow accumulation

Mobile Methods:Becoming a Winter Pedestrian

The body is the medium and movement is part of the multisensory experience that mediates the senses creating a person’s sense of place (Sunderland et al. 2012).

2009-2010 - Five months of fieldwork Predetermined routes, priority levels (P1, P2, P3)

Narrative of Place Observation notes Photographs Reflective journal

Weather Preparation

Footwear

Fatigue

Thermal environment and human gait

“It was a natural reaction for me to shield my face as I felt the cold air on my skin. It was uncomfortable, even if I was dressed adequately for the weather”

Surface Conditions

“You need a lot of endurance and good balance so you won’t fall when your feet sink into the snow.”

Snow clearing and storage

Inequalities forced upon winter walkers: Those who can Those who cannot

Walking Mobile practice: the inter-linkages of

Weather conditions Surface conditions Gait and postural response to adapt to

conditions Sensory cues: how pedestrians respond Sensory perception: sound, visual, tactile

“As the temperature began to rise, the dry, compacted snow of the winter became smooth and slippery. With the continued melt, my feet began to sink into the snow, which became icy, wet and soft.”

Winter Pedestrianism: Moving Forward

Public reaction to Surefoot and FMI pavement condition model: Need for education and awareness of diverse pedestrian needs

Need for a multi-method approach to investigate winter walking conditions Empirical measures Perceptions of winter walking safety

Model of Winter Walking

SlushDifficulty Weather Sidealk Surface

Conditions Walking

Difficult

Cold periods folowing temporary melting Icy in the morning Pedestrians may slip as a result of walking too fast; must adapt their

perceptios of the changing envirionment

First wet snowfall of the Season

Accumulation of lose snow

Pedestrians alter their pace of walking in order to compare the slipperiness of sidewalks to the sidewalks conditions of the summer. They test the slipperiness of sidewalks by sliding their feet on the sidewalk in order to get a sense of their footing, and personal ability

slushy

Pedestrians lift their feet higher and let them down slower to avoid getting their socks/feet wet in slushy conditions

Wheelchairs may get stuck in slushy conditions

Moderate

"Transition" period into cold winter climate;

temperatures fluctuate above and below

freezing

Wet sidewalks in the afternoon

Wet sidewalks mean that there may be ice present. Pedestrians slide their feet on the sidewalk to test for slipperiness.

Puddles Visual inspection of puddles for ice formationMostly bare pavement, some isolated slippery

sectionsPedestrians avoid walking through puddles

Temperatures gradually falling below freezing

Compacted snowThe sound of crunching on frozen slush/snow means that there are uneven surface conditions present, and slippery sections. Pedestrians step carefully, making sure their weight is properly distributed before taking their next step

Uneven surfacesPedestrians may trip on uneven surfaces, must lift feet higher

Frozen slush

Easy Temperatures above freezing, and dry

Bare Pedestrians walk at normal pace

GrittyNo walking barriers

Sidewalks safe for everyone

SnowDifficulty Weather Sidewalk Surface Conditions Walking

Hazardous

Freezing rain (ice storm) Extremely slippery ice accumulation

Pedestrians walk slower, and exaggerate their pattern of movement on the extremely slippery ice layer in order to maintain their balance and footingFeet sliding uncontrollably, involuntary movements to keep balanceSmall steps

High winds Loose snow, exceeding 5 cm accumulation Holding onto fixed objects, such as railings, posts, etc.Older adults and persons with mobility challenges are unable to go out. No access to sidewalks.

Frequent major drifts Cautiously approaching intersections and downward gradients, staying away from curbs to avoid slipping into traffic

Blizzards Icy with snow on top Pedestrians become fatigued from walking through loose snow and snow drifts; must lift feet higher, becomes tiringPedestrians are unable to see ice beneath the snow. They walk more cautiously, ensuring proper footing before taking their next step.

Difficult

Snow

Loose snow, 0-5 cm accumulation People in wheelchairs need assistance to push them through loose snow and uneven surfaces

Minor snow drifts Older adults and people using walking aides walk very slowly, taking small steps, relying on mobility aides for balance

Narrow foot-packed trails in loose snow No room for more than one pedestrian on sidewalk. Pedestrians must step off of sidewalk if possible to let the other person passIcy

Wind Icy with snow on top Pedestrians frequently have to step over obstructions. Must step over snow ridges, snow mounds, and other uneven surfaces to access bus stops and to get over the curb to access the sidewalk. Requires good balance to keep from slipping over hardened, compacted snow

Bus stops obstructed by excess from snow removal process

Removal of snow from streets forms snow ridges alongside curbs

Pedestrians may trip over uneven surfaces as hard, compacted snow becomes slippery

Snow mounds caused by snow removal

ModerateTemperatures stabilized below freezing

Clear, dry compacted snowPedestrians walk faster with shoulders hunched, head down in jacket collar, face shielded from wind, arms stiff, shuffling feet to stay warm

Compacted snow, some melting agents applied

Pedestrians try to avoid open areas, seeking shelter to stay out of wind

IceDifficulty Weather Sidealk Surface Conditions Walking

Hazardous

Temperature above freezing during day,

drops well below freezing at night

Extremely icy and slippery

Visual inspection of sidewealk required to assess risk, and to determine what safety precautions to take to avoid an accidental slip or fall. Pattern of movement is erratic as pedestrians avoid hazards, including icy sections, snow, slush, and water. Pedestrians do not wak in a linear direction. May step off sidewalk, walk on street, or exposed ground alongside sidewalk

Freezing rain Ice with water on top Feet sliding uncontrollably, involuntary movements to keep balance

Slushy Small stepsPonded water/water runoff, obstructing large

sections of sidewalksOlder adults and people with mobility challenges are unable to go out due to extremely slippery conditions. Sidewalks are hazardous for everyone

Thin layer of ice forms on water surfaces Pedestrians avoid walking in puddles; walk on street to avoid sections of sidewalk obstructed by water runoff

Difficult Temperatures near freezing

Dry, compacted snow becomes smooth and slippery; snow then becomes icy, wet, and

soft

Older adults and people with mobility need assistance; require an able-bodied person to hold arm and walk alongside them

Icy in the morning, wet in afternoonAble-bodied pedestrians may slide their feet on smooth and slippery snow like they are skating or cross-country skiiing

Thin layer of ice forms on water surfaces

Pedestrians may loose balance and accidentally step into slush or water (wet feet) in order to keep from falling

Slush

Ponded water/water runoff, obstructing large sections of sidewalk

Easy

Temperature stabilizes above freezing Bare Pedestrians walk at normal pace

Dry Bare and gritty No walking barriersRain Bare and dry Sidewalks safe for everyone

Walking on Ice: Winter 2013-14 Mobile Practice

Rhythmic movement of feet: gait and balance Sensory vocabulary of conditions

Street Audits One block, repeated observations Level of difficulty, variability of conditions Snow clearing, treatment Bus stop

Intersection Counts High mobility versus low mobility

Walking on Ice: Winter 2013-14I had a micro-slip on two occasions when I encountered an invisible accumulation of slush and snow on the sidewalk. The process of the micro-slip occurred at the toe-off position, when the heal slid counterclockwise. The opposite heel that was in the stationary position involuntarily turned clockwise with the sliding heel, and my body turning nearly 90 degrees.

Greying on Ice: Winter 2013-14 Ageing, mobility and transportation disadvantage

1) Initial survey of travel behaviour, impact of poor sidewalk conditions

2) Sidewalk assessment exercise3) Travel Logs4) Walk Alongs

Videographic recording of walking route Qualitative interview to seek experience of

winter walking, recorded

Future Research

Urban Sustainability

Planning and design for winter citiesIdentification of walkable communitiesConnectivity Snow clearing and storageWind

Thank You

Questions