Gigi On Earth

Lately, I’ve been spending time with a very cute six-month-old, and we’ve been going on lots of walks together. Pushing a stroller around the city has opened my eyes to just how tricky our sidewalks can be.

They’re narrow. So narrow that I have to constantly scan a few metres ahead to make sure there’s enough room for someone to pass us. And those little dips in the sidewalk—like the ones for driveways—suddenly feel like speed bumps, except I’m the suspension system. It takes way more effort than I expected to keep the stroller moving in a straight line. And forget about crossing mid-block—I can only cross where the curb slopes down, which sometimes means going way out of the way.

It’s made me realize: if this is hard with a stroller, how much harder is it for someone using a wheelchair or walker?

Then, recently, I visited New York City—and wow. Their sidewalks? Spacious! It was such a refreshing change. There was room to move, to pass people comfortably, even to linger a little without feeling like you’re in the way. Crossing the street felt easier too—you spent less time in traffic because the sidewalks were designed to prioritize people, not just cars.

But the best part? Those wide sidewalks created space for life to happen. Fruit stands, street musicians, artists selling their work—and patios! Not crammed into noisy, traffic-filled parking spots, but tucked right alongside storefronts. Little tables and chairs where people could sip coffee, eat lunch, or just people-watch, all without the chaos of cars zooming past a metre away.

So here’s my new stance: wide sidewalks aren’t just a “nice-to-have”—they’re essential. They make cities more livable, accessible, and vibrant. More room for people means more room for community.

Let’s build more of that.