It's an important question. In Denver, one of the biggest if not the biggest problem with using our Class I Bikeways for commuting has been lack of snow and ice removal. For years there was a section of the Cherry Creek Path that ran along the edge of the Denver Country Club. The Club thought it was the city's obligation to clear that section, and, you guessed it, the city thought it was the Club's responsibility. The result is that it didn't get cleared, and one of the most important transportation corridors in the city would effectively get cut off every time there was decent storm and for days after. They've figured that bit out, and have made what seems to be an honest commitment to keeping the entire path system clear. There are still some trouble spots, and always will be, especially considering that any little patch of ice can wreck a bicyclist.

It will be an ongoing challenge to convince officials that bicyclists actually need much more intensive snow and ice removal efforts on their facilities than cars and trucks need on the streets. Up until recently they have seen it the opposite way.