Winter Walking and Cycling

[ijmorlan]

Sand. Works even in 30C below zero, is inexpensive, has plentiful supplies, and has no negative environmental effects.

Sand is an option, but it isn't as effective as salt at temperatures where salt functions well.  And sand does have negative environmental effects, it blocks up drainage channels--which are natural areas.  Nothing is without its tradeoffs.

I think a bit of extra sand is nothing compared to salt, which is basically a poison (depending on the dose, of course, as with all poisons).

Not an ecologist, however, so people in the know might know better.