Mayor Evans urges Rochester residents to take shared responsibility as winter snowfall continues to impact daily life

Rochester, New York – As winter tightens its grip on Rochester and daylight hours continue to shrink ahead of the Winter Solstice, city leaders are reminding residents that snow management is a shared responsibility. With steady snowfall already shaping daily routines across the city, Mayor Malik D. Evans is calling on Rochesterians to look out for one another and do their part to keep streets, sidewalks, and neighborhoods safe.

December has arrived with a persistent reminder of what a northern winter can bring. Snowfall has been frequent, covering sidewalks, roadways, and driveways almost daily. According to Mayor Evans, these conditions make cooperation essential, not optional.

“December has brought snow to our area nearly every day this month, so it’s important to remember – we are all responsible for helping keep our neighborhoods safe and accessible,” said Mayor Evans. “Check in on your neighbors and help those who may need assistance. When we all work together, the winter landscape becomes all the more enjoyable!”

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City officials stress that safety starts at the property line. Under City Code, property owners are required to shovel snow and remove ice from sidewalks that border their homes or businesses. Failure to do so can create hazardous conditions for pedestrians, including children walking to school, seniors, and residents who rely on mobility aids. The Mayor also reminded residents that pushing or plowing snow from private property into city streets or onto sidewalks is prohibited, as it creates obstacles for both pedestrians and plow crews.

Rochester stands out nationally for how it handles winter weather, particularly when it comes to sidewalks. When snowfall is expected to exceed four inches, the City steps in to clear snow from more than 800 miles of sidewalks that are at least five feet wide. Few cities in the United States take on sidewalk plowing at this scale, a service designed to ensure accessibility even during heavier snow events.

Street plowing follows a structured plan once snow begins to accumulate. When three inches or more of new snow fall, City crews are deployed to plow major and minor arterial roads, while contracted teams handle residential streets. Main arterial roads are plowed continuously during active snowfall to maintain traffic flow. Roads near schools, bus routes, bridges, hills, and other high-priority areas receive salt treatment to reduce ice buildup. Over the course of a typical winter season, Rochester uses more than 20,000 tons of salt to improve road safety.

Despite this coordinated effort, city officials say plowing operations depend heavily on public cooperation. Winter parking restrictions and posted signs are not suggestions—they are essential tools that allow plows to move efficiently. Even a single vehicle parked on the wrong side of the street can block equipment and prevent crews from clearing snow properly, leaving entire blocks partially untreated.

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To help residents stay informed, the City offers PlowTrax, an online tool that shows when and where plows have operated. Updated every five minutes, PlowTrax allows residents to track progress and better plan travel or parking during snow events.

Beyond shovels and plows, Mayor Evans emphasized that winter safety also depends on how people drive. Snow-covered and icy roads demand caution, patience, and slower speeds, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or public transportation.

“We must adjust our driving behaviors in the wintertime — or risk endangering the lives of those who walk or take the bus,” said Mayor Evans. “Slow down, don’t follow too close, and give yourself room to stop. Give plows and salt trucks lots of room to operate. And be sure to brush accumulated snow off your car to ensure visibility and safety for you and other drivers.”

City officials also reminded residents to use emergency and service lines responsibly during winter storms. Heavy weather often leads to a surge in calls, which can overwhelm response systems. Residents are urged to call 911 only for true emergencies involving police, fire, or medical assistance. Questions related to City services, including snow removal, should be directed to 311.

As winter officially begins, the message from City Hall is clear: managing snow is a collective effort. From shoveling sidewalks and obeying parking rules to driving cautiously and checking on neighbors, small actions taken by individuals can make a significant difference. With cooperation and awareness, Rochester aims to remain safe, accessible, and resilient throughout the long winter months ahead.