Taking a brief look at the evolution of sidewalks from historical footpaths to modern infrastructure, this presentation examines the purposes of pedestrian networks while addressing the funding and prioritization hurdles unique to rural communities. We navigate the regulatory landscape of Pedestrian Master Plans and the maintenance mandates of the California Streets and Highways Code, emphasizing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a fundamental driver of modern maintenance strategy. The session concludes with a practical look at asset management, highlighting high-efficiency repair methods and strategic partnerships with Risk Management Authorities to mitigate liability and maintain a safe, accessible public right-of-way.
