How to Report Unsafe Public Walkways in Rochester

Your Guide to Sidewalk Hazard Reporting and Pedestrian Safety

Public walkways should feel safe. When you're walking to work, heading to school, or just taking your dog out in Rochester, you shouldn't have to worry about tripping over broken pavement or dodging patches of ice. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case. Unsafe sidewalks in Rochester, NY aren't rare, especially in older neighborhoods or areas with harsh winter weather. When they're left untreated, those hazards can lead to painful falls, serious injuries, and long-term problems for pedestrians.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when you or someone you care about gets hurt because of a poorly maintained sidewalk. Our New York pedestrian injury attorneys step in when the city, a property owner, or another party fails to take care of a dangerous walkway. If you're facing medical bills, time off work, or stress after a sidewalk-related injury, we’re here to help.

Spot the Problem: Identify Unsafe Walkway Conditions

Rochester's sidewalks take a beating. Ice, heavy foot traffic, and aging infrastructure can all make public walkways dangerous. The first step is knowing what to look for.

Some hazards are easy to spot. Others require a closer look. Walkways can be unsafe even if they don't seem that bad at first.

Watch for:

• Uneven pavement or raised slabs
• Large cracks or missing pieces
• Snow or ice not cleared after storms
• Tree roots pushing up sidewalk panels
• Potholes in walkways near driveways
• Poor lighting around sidewalks, especially near parks like Cobbs Hill or Genesee Valley Park

Any one of these could cause someone to fall or twist an ankle. If the hazard is in a spot where many people walk, like near bus stops or schools, it becomes even more urgent to report it.

Document Everything Right Away

Once you spot an issue, gather details as soon as you can. That means taking photos, writing notes, and recording the time and location. If someone else gets hurt, or if you do, this documentation could become important down the line.

Be specific. Don’t just take a wide shot of the area. Get close-ups that show cracks, holes, or ice. Include street signs or nearby buildings in the frame. In Rochester, it helps to mention nearby landmarks, such as the Memorial Art Gallery or the Main Street library branch.

Write down:

• The exact street or intersection
• The date and time
• What the weather was like
• Who else was present or saw the hazard

Photos and notes help both the city and legal professionals understand the situation clearly. It also shows you took the issue seriously from the start.

Check the Ownership: City, County, or Private

Not every sidewalk falls under the same responsibility. In New York State, ownership and maintenance vary depending on the walkway's location.

In Rochester:

• The City of Rochester typically manages sidewalks next to public streets
• Monroe County may handle areas near county buildings or highways
• Private property owners, including businesses, must maintain sidewalks in front of their buildings

This part can get confusing. A sidewalk near a county courthouse might be the county’s job, but one right across the street could fall under city responsibility. If you’re not sure who owns it, call 311 or check Rochester’s property information site.

Knowing who to contact helps avoid delays. Filing a sidewalk complaint with the wrong department often leads to long wait times and no action.

Use the City’s 311 System to File a Report

If the city is responsible for the walkway, Rochester makes it relatively simple to file a report. Use the 311 service to let them know what’s going on.

You can:

• Dial 311 from inside city limits or call (585) 428-5990
• Submit a report online at the City of Rochester Service Request Portal

When submitting:

• Be specific about the location. Use cross streets or addresses.
• Describe the issue clearly: "Uneven slab causing tripping hazard," "ice buildup not cleared," etc.
• Attach any photos you took

You should receive a confirmation and a tracking number. Save this. If the city doesn’t respond in a timely way, you’ll need it for follow-up.

Escalate the Complaint if the City Doesn’t Act

Sometimes, the city doesn’t respond quickly. If your complaint sits in limbo for weeks, take the next step.

Start by checking the status of your request. Use the tracking number you received from 311. If there’s no update or it's marked as "closed" without a fix, call 311 again. Ask to speak with a supervisor or request that the Department of Environmental Services look into it directly.

You can also:

• Write a formal letter or email to the city department
• Attend a Rochester City Council meeting and speak during the public comment session

Rochester residents have a right to safe sidewalks. Push for action, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Report Severe Hazards to the NYS DOT or County Authorities

Some sidewalk hazards don’t fall under city control. If the hazard is along a state or county route, you’ll need to file a report with the proper authority.

For example:

• Walkways near Route 104, East Henrietta Road, or Route 590 often fall under New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT)
• Areas surrounding county-run buildings or parking lots may be the responsibility of Monroe County Department of Transportation

To report:

• Use the NYS DOT online contact system or call the regional office in Rochester
• Contact Monroe County DOT through their main line or official website

State and county offices usually have slower turnaround times, so early reporting helps. Provide the same details: location, photos, and description of the hazard.

Understand Legal Liability and Your Rights

If someone trips, slips, or falls because of an unsafe walkway, there could be legal consequences. In New York, the rules around sidewalk liability can vary based on who owns or maintains the property.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• Private property owners in Rochester are often liable for injuries on sidewalks adjacent to their lots
• The City of Rochester may be responsible for walkways next to public spaces or facilities
• Monroe County or New York State may share liability depending on who oversees the walkway

That’s why documenting the hazard and filing a report right away matters. If someone gets hurt, the history of neglect could impact a claim. If you're injured, keep medical records, witness names, and any photos or reports you made.

Connect With Local Advocacy or Neighborhood Groups

Sidewalk issues affect more than individuals. They impact entire communities. If you want to make a bigger difference, connect with local groups already working on pedestrian safety.

Groups to consider:

• Reconnect Rochester, which promotes better mobility and walkability
• Your Neighborhood Association, which often brings sidewalk concerns to city officials
• Community boards or coalitions focused on disability access and transportation equity

You can also show up to city planning meetings or budget sessions. Public voices carry weight, especially when backed by clear examples or collective concern.

Prevent Future Problems by Staying Proactive

You don’t have to wait for someone to get hurt to act. Rochester residents can take simple steps to make walkways safer year-round.

Here are a few ways to help:

• Regularly report new hazards you see on your block
• Help elderly neighbors submit 311 requests
• Encourage your local business district to invest in sidewalk maintenance
• Clear snow and ice quickly if you’re a property owner
• Request sidewalk inspections after severe weather

Staying alert and involved can keep small problems from becoming big ones. With enough attention, even long-ignored spots start getting the care they need.

Safe Sidewalks Start With You

A cracked sidewalk or a hidden patch of ice can change a person’s life in seconds. Reporting these issues helps keep Rochester safe for everyone who walks, rolls, or runs through our streets. But when reports go unanswered or injuries happen, Horn Wright, LLP, steps in. Our team helps injured pedestrians across New York State hold the right parties accountable. If you or a loved one was hurt because someone failed to fix a dangerous walkway, we’re here to stand up for you.