The Sidewalk Safety Program is a major infrastructure program. Sidewalks represent a major investment by the citizens of Cincinnati and are an important part of a balanced transportation system. Used by all facets of a diverse pedestrian population that ranges from young to old, physically fit to challenged, they connect our homes, neighborhoods, parks, recreational facilities, schools, churches, and businesses. They provide pathways for our elderly and bikeways for our youth. A safe and aesthetic sidewalk space promotes neighborhood interaction and enhances property values.
The Cincinnati Municipal Code (CMC) §721-1-S defines sidewalks as “…the portion of a street lying between the established or presumable curb line and the adjacent property line; the portion set aside for pedestrian use.” Generally, sidewalks are made up of three elements: walk, driveway, and sod space. These components vary in width and location. Business districts normally do not have sod space and may have fewer driveways. Unimproved streets typically do not have walks.
The type of walk and driveway construction varies. For example, in the Central Business District, structural slabs cover basement areas extending into the public right-of-way; recent construction has placed a "topping " of clay pavers on these slabs. In neighborhood business districts, unistone pavers have recently been used in lieu of concrete. However, the vast majority of walks and driveways are of plain concrete construction.
While no comprehensive inventory currently exists, we estimate there are 1,700 miles of improved sidewalk space (i.e., frontages with paved walk and driveway surfaces) within the City of Cincinnati. To bring the size of these facilities into perspective, we estimate there are 2,000 acres of walks, sod space, and driveways throughout the City. This compares with the 1,472 acres of Mt. Airy Forest, the City’s largest park.
Based upon current replacement costs, the value of these improvements exceeds $215 million. On average, it costs more that $130,000 to construct one mile of walk and driveway on each side of a street. Due to many factors, these facilities must be periodically replaced to promote public safety.
Responsibility for constructing and maintaining sidewalk space is shared by property owners and the City. According to CMC §721-147, abutting property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk space and keeping it free from nuisance. In cases where the sidewalk space is not properly maintained, CMC §721-149 directs that abutting property owners be notified of necessary corrective action. CMC §721-163 makes owners of abutting property responsible for funding construction and maintenance relating to sidewalks. The City Engineer is responsible for supervising sidewalk construction, reconstruction or repair.
City Capital funding is used to repair walks at intersections, bus stops, and abutting property controlled by General Fund City agencies. Capital funding is also used to construct curb ramps to improve accessibility.
