Walkability
Photo Credit: Chappy Achen
Percentage of Poor Sidewalks
Summary: 4% of Red Wing’s sidewalk segments ranked as “poor quality” in 2022. That means 155 segments out of a total 3,874 citywide. The City normally inspects and rates one-third of the City’s sidewalks each year, using a ranking system. The percentage of 2% in 2021 was abnormally low because the City was not able to inspect any sidewalks that year, and many previously poor sidewalks were improved.
Details: A sidewalk segment is defined as the sidewalk belonging to a property along one street. Corner properties usually have two sidewalk segments. A poor ranking means a sidewalk is severely cracked, crumbling, or vertically misaligned (a tripping hazard). Ratings are on a numerical scale of 1 through 100.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023
Number of Residential Sidewalks Fixed by City Staff
Summary: In 2022, 27 sidewalks were repaired by the City - a relatively low number compared to prior years. The City prioritizes walkability and wants to ensure as many sidewalks as possible are in good condition for everyone, including those with mobility concerns.
Details: The data in this graph includes the number of sidewalks fixed at the City’s expense (i.e. when boulevard trees uproot and crack a sidewalk) and the number of sidewalks fixed at the property owner’s expense (the majority of sidewalk repairs). When a sidewalk repair is the owner’s responsibility, the owner can either hire a contractor to fix the sidewalk or hire the City to fix it. The City contacts property owners telling them when their sidewalk is in poor condition; if it is not repaired within a certain amount of time, the City will fix the sidewalk and bill the homeowner.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023
Number of Curb Ramps Installed
Summary: The City installed 46 new curb ramps in 2022. In 2019, it installed many more (156), due to a large street overlay project. The City is federally mandated to install new curb ramps whenever a street is being built or improved, based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
Details: A curb ramp is a short cut-through ramp that provides an easy, accessible transition between a street and a sidewalk. Curb ramps are meant to make it easier for everyone to walk, especially those who use wheelchairs and/or live with mobility constraints.
Source: City of Red Wing: 2023