What is the purpose of the sidewalk?

As you are making your way down major streets in New York City, there is one thing you will almost never escape- the sidewalks and walkways are practically everywhere, which is often taken for granted by the property owners. Call it an eyesore, a massive inconvenience, or a way to stay dry during a major downpour, it is a part of NYC sidewalks. And with the application of strong and durable material as well it is not changing anytime soon.

And when you ask, ‘What is the purpose of the sidewalk?’ The answer is simple that it has many purposes but the main one is protecting pedestrians and providing easy access to homes, businesses, shops and as a means to walk to any number of destinations simply. When it comes to the material of choice, concrete sidewalks are one of the most commonly seen alternatives and with a good reason, as this affordable material also offers the safest walking environment with smooth surfuce that also offers superior durability.

Properly Placed Sidewalk: What makes a Sidewalk safe?

Pedestrians walk on more than just sidewalks, they also use multiple modes of transport. For this reason, it is more important than ever to integrate safe, accessible connections. Without properly placed sidewalks, the danger of traffic in NYC becomes exponentially high for pedestrians. Due to the need for sidewalks, concrete is the building material that is often turned to.

Apart from the material, it also includes implementing safe street design principles, like shorter blocks and crosswalks. Plus, to avoid creating crowds and allow access for pedestrians with special mobility needs, there are also sidewalks around transit hubs.

When it comes to commercial or even residential construction, sidewalks, walkways, and driveways are built almost exclusively for the following reasons:

More durable as it lasts about 40-50 years with maintenance.
When it is poured to exact engineered standards, these give a smooth finish which is a great material for curb ramps and corners with varying grades and slopes.
Required less long-term maintenance.

Furthermore, the material used to construct sidewalks needs to be consistent, stable, slip-resistant, and designed to facilitate drainage. For building a well-functioning sidewalk, the sidewalk needs to be a combination of stable, slip, and flood-resistant materials based on site needs. That is a combination of high-quality materials like concrete that confers both safety and comfort while walking on the sidewalks.

What is the purpose of a sidewalk?

The most preferred accommodation for pedestrians that is sidewalks are separated from the roadway which makes it beneficial in many ways including safety, mobility, and healthier communities.

It improves safety: Every year, more than 270,000 pedestrians are killed around the world. So in addition to reducing walking along with roadway crashes, sidewalks reduce other pedestrian crashes with good street design. Roads without a sidewalk are likely to have more than twice pedestrian crashes. With sidewalks on both sides results in eliminating numerous midblock crossing crashes.
It makes it comfortable for the pedestrians: By providing sidewalks that are comfortable, we can increase the number of trips, particularly in areas with mixed land use. The wider the separation between the sidewalk and the roadway is, the more comfortable the facility. Additionally, by moving pedestrians off the travel lanes the motorist operations are improved and the capacity is increased.
It helps commercial properties or businesses: When sidewalks are well-maintained, the pedestrian plazas likely see boosted retail sales. People passing through are also more likely to shop at stores nearby.
It also improves the city’s brand and identity: In city life, sidewalks play a vital role. As the main purpose of having sidewalks is to enhance connectivity and promote walking which makes the overall movement and access easier. Plus, sidewalks as a public space serve as the front step to the city, activating streets socially and economically. All in all, making the city more walkable and liveable will give the city a stronger identity and make visitors want to visit!

Enhance Safety with Care and Maintenance of Sidewalks

As you are already aware that maintaining your sidewalks promotes a safe, mobile, and healthy community. On the other hand, poorly maintained and damaged sidewalks put pedestrians at risk of slips and falls which can eventually lead to slips, trips, and injuries. As a property owner, it is essential to understand the requirements of maintaining the safety of your infrastructure. For instance, your concrete contractor’s maintenance strategy should include the repair of sidewalks that are cracked or patched. However, it is important to know how to determine if your sidewalks already need a replacement. Here is a simple guide to follow:

For all the actions and dirt these humble surfaces see, cleaning sidewalks helps to restore the fresh look that material has when it is poured.
Often when there are small and large cracks, it does not make much sense to spend all the effort and time cleaning. However, getting the repairs done is a viable option.

Exposure to environmental elements causes the sidewalks to become moist and damp all the time. This can leave the surface looking unsightly when molds have formed. To remove mold you need sidewalk stain removal.