The first big snowfall of 2022 has come and gone, and with its arrival there also came the city’s Sidewalk Snow Clearing Pilot program, targeting properties on Broadway and School St., with the intention of testing options to support safer travel.

During the pilot, the city increased enforcement of existing sidewalk snow removal rules, which can include issuing fines when sidewalks are not shoveled properly or on time.

In addition, the city cleared more snow from bus stops, ramps, and other pedestrian features, as well as from sidewalks not shoveled by property owners on time.

To avoid fines according to regulations, home and business owners are expected clear snow from all sidewalks and ramps adjacent to their property within six daylight hours of the end of snowfall. A path at least three feet wide and down to the pavement must be cleared. Snow should not be shoveled into bike lanes.

According to the city, safety is the goal, and Mayor Ballantyne and the City Council are working together to improve pedestrian safety including after snowfall.

Broadway and School St. were chosen for the pilot because they cross the city, connect to bus, transit, and school routes, run through diverse neighborhoods, and offer a range of shoveling environments.

To review shoveling guidelines, safety tips, assistance programs and shoveling fines, you can go to somervillema.gov/snow or contact 311 (617-666-3311).

It may be a pain in the … back … but keeping our sidewalks safe for everyone is the more important than anything.