Snow causing problems for pedestrians

The huge snow berms lining Spokane Valley streets have been causing problems other than narrow driveways and line of sight-blocking height.

Sidewalks are mostly choked with several feet of snow, forcing pedestrians into streets to walk or wait for the bus. That has Spokane Valley resident Larry Miller upset and wondering why the city doesn’t enforce an ordinance that calls for property owners to maintain clear sidewalks.

Miller said he visited City Hall to complain after a man waiting for a bus on top of a snow berm on Sprague slipped and fell in front of his moving car. “He was fooling around,” Miller said. “I was able to stop before I hit him. I was so shaken up. I nearly killed a young man.”

Miller said he’s concerned that someone will be killed while walking in the streets.

Munson said he sympathizes with Miller’s concerns, but said there’s simply too much snow deposited on sidewalks by plows. “He’s right,” he said. “It’s a problem. What are you going to do? There just isn’t any choice.”

Munson said most people seem to be very careful about walking in the street. It’s not an experience Munson cares to repeat after walking a couple of blocks to get a sandwich a few days ago. “I don’t think I’ll do that again. It was scary.”