[analogpixel]

If you can't afford a leaf blower, you could try using a $10 rake. they usually work better and faster than a leaf blower most of the time anyways.

[oooyay]

In East Portland we're mostly dealing with needles from Douglas Firs. I'm not sure this will help much, or be easier. Most people I know that use a leaf blower around here use it to clear pathways and the streets after cones and needles drop because the city doesn't send street cleaning this far.

[BigTTYGothGF]

How many needles and cones do you have that you need to be clearing streets? And surely a pushbroom would suffice for the sidewalks.

[bluGill]

If the hand rake isn't enough you can put a rake on a small tractor (or lawn mower) and it is a lot easier to control where the pile ends up.