Why Oslo’s Snow Removal Is Racist, Sexist, and Ableist
Oslo’s snow removal system quietly upholds inequality. The city prioritizes clearing roads for cars, leaving sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus stops buried under snow and ice. On paper, it might seem logical—cars and emergency vehicles are considered vital for mobility. But the reality? This system disproportionately benefits car drivers, who are overwhelmingly white men, while disadvantaging women, immigrants, elderly people, children, and individuals with disabilities. These groups are far more likely to rely on walking or public transport. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s inequitable and dangerous.
Oslo has the potential to rethink its approach—and the results could be groundbreaking.
From Bias to Breakthrough: Redesigning Oslo’s Snow-Clearing
The biases in Oslo’s snow-clearing system became clear to me through Caroline Criado-Perez’s book, Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Criado-Perez illustrates how urban planning often prioritizes male-dominated behaviors like driving, while ignoring the needs of women, children, and people with disabilities. Oslo’s approach to snow removal is a textbook example of this systemic oversight.
It’s time for the city to take a human-centered design approach. My hypothesis? Most injuries in Oslo during the snowy season likely happen on sidewalks and pedestrian areas—not on roads. Women are disproportionately affected because they’re more likely to juggle caregiving responsibilities while relying on public transport or walking.
Flipping the script—prioritizing sidewalks, bike lanes, and bus stops over car-centric roads—could dramatically reduce injuries, lower healthcare costs, and make Oslo accessible for everyone. It’s not just about equity; it’s about sustainability too. Encouraging walking and public transit while reducing car dependency is better for the planet and for public health.
3 Takeaways from Oslo’s Snow-Clearing Revolution
Bias is baked into systems—but it can be uprooted. We must challenge the default practice of prioritizing cars and start asking: who gets left behind?
Data + empathy = better cities. Accident data and user needs reveal stories that traditional policies ignore. Cities built around people’s realities are smarter and safer.
Inclusive design benefits everyone. Clearing sidewalks first doesn’t just help pedestrians—it can make Oslo safer, healthier, and more efficient for all.
Lesson Learned: No One Should Slip Through the Cracks
Oslo’s story demonstrates how cities can unlearn harmful biases baked into everyday systems. When we prioritize the mobility and safety of those most at risk, we create a city that works better for everyone. Inclusivity isn’t just fair—it’s transformative.
P.S. Have you noticed similar biases in your city’s infrastructure? Let’s explore how human-centered design could bring change. Share your ideas in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to hear from you!
