Kraków under snow once again shows how winter can complicate everyday life for older and disabled people. Near Główny station, city services shoveled snow from the crossing under the railing, making access to key pedestrian routes harder.
Heavy snowfall paralysed Kraków, causing serious disruption around Główny station. Restricted passages particularly affected seniors and people with disabilities – snow from the pavement piled up under the railings, forcing them to take risky routes.
Kraków under snow – the scale of the problem
Last weekend the city was buried in snow. Public transport ran in emergency mode, and city services carried out the “Winter” operation – unfortunately, not everywhere effectively.
- Main routes are cleared as a priority, but side passages under the station do not always meet basic accessibility requirements.
- Snow pushed under the railings limits pedestrian traffic – especially for those who need stable support or a wide passage.
- Residents’ reports go to the dispatch centre, but services often respond only after the snowfall ends.
Why is this a problem for those who need it most?
The greatest barriers affect:
- Seniors with limited mobility.
- People using wheelchairs or walkers.
- Blind and visually impaired people, who rely on clear, ice-free routes.
How can we respond?
Imagining yourself as a disabled person, it is easy to picture the obstacle: snow under a railing is like a gate that won’t open for everyday tasks.
- If you notice a problem, report it to the city dispatcher or through apps for monitoring pavement conditions.
- Every response is a step forward – much like clearing a path for others.
The city declares it is fighting communication barriers, but the reality is less optimistic. Regular checks of public spaces, quick responses to reports and training for city services are the main actions that would bring real change.
