LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Many Kentuckians are continuing to deal with sidewalks and streets covered in ice, snow and slush, creating serious challenges for people with mobility issues.
What You Need To Know
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The Center for Accessible Living supports people with disabilities across Kentucky
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Snow and ice make sidewalks difficult or impossible to navigate for people using mobility devices
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Metro Councilmember JP Lyninger is calling for increased funding for Metro Public Works
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Advocates urge residents to check on neighbors with disabilities during winter weather
David Allgood, director of advocacy for the Center for Accessible Living, understands these challenges firsthand. He has relied on a power wheelchair for about 44 years and said winter weather often makes city travel unsafe or impossible.
“I’m fortunate enough to be able to drive, but if I were to get downtown, there is not a lot of places I could traverse because the sidewalks are totally snow-packed and snow-covered,” Allgood said.
He explained that wheelchairs, especially manual ones, struggle in snow and ice.
“These wheelchairs do not do well in snow at all,” Allgood said.
The Center for Accessible Living works with individuals statewide, many of whom face increased barriers during winter storms. According to Allgood, residents using mobility devices often depend on neighbors or family members to help them get food, medication or other necessities because they cannot safely travel on icy sidewalks.
Spectrum News observed the intersection of Ruth Avenue and Strand Avenue in Louisville on Friday, where all directions were covered in thick ice, making the area nearly impassable.
“We’ve heard from a number of people that use mobility devices, particularly wheelchairs, who’ve had to rely on others just to meet basic needs,” Allgood said. “You can typically move a few feet, then you’re stuck.”
Metro Councilmember JP Lyninger said he is pushing for additional funding for Metro Public Works to improve snow and ice response across the city.
“We’ve got enough people to man the plows and treat roads, but we need to go beyond major arteries and downtown streets,” Lyninger said. “That includes residential roads and areas near schools.”
Lyninger acknowledged that funding challenges remain, noting that most city departments operate with lean staffing models.
Allgood welcomed the discussion but emphasized the importance of including disability advocates in those conversations.
“I think a dialogue between all parties is a good thing,” he said. “I just hope we have a seat at the table when these discussions are taking place.”
In a statement to Spectrum News, Matt Mudd, press secretary for Mayor Craig Greenberg’s Office, said the city has deployed more plows, brine and salt than ever before. While crews cannot reach every local road, he said expanded funding has helped improve services and prioritize access to schools, medical facilities and other essential destinations.
Allgood urged residents to check on people with disabilities during winter weather, especially if icy conditions limit access to food, medicine or other necessities.
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