[sodpoodle]

Are you required to clear a sidewalk under penalty of law? Or is this shoveling to free your car and driveway?

Most old folks are ‘hunkered” down and why should they be forced to shovel ANY snow for ANY reason - or pay for it???

Pedestrians are not even using the “cleared” sidewalks in my neighborhood, they are walking in the street.!!!! Must be scared of the tree limbs;)

[iontheball]

Pedestrians are not even using the “cleared” sidewalks in my neighborhood, they are walking in the street.!!!! Must be scared of the tree limbs;)
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I walked sidewalks to get to work for decades, so I know a thing or two about snow and sidewalks. While traffic is an issue when walking in the street, it turns out to be the safest alternative. You will hardly ever find an entire block where the sidewalks are all shoveled. Even if they are, most will not be treated for ice and some melting during the day freezes back at night and once frozen takes half a day or more to unfreeze. Additionally, light overnight snow makes things even more treacherous since you can not see the frozen ice under the snow. The streets get plowed and treated and worked on by vehicle tires so it is the only place you can find a surface to walk on that reduces your likelihood of falling and injuring yourself. Getting out every day and commuting, whether by car or walking, will always be a challenge in a winter with heavy snow.

[fatnotlazy]

“Are you required to clear a sidewalk under penalty of law? Or is this shoveling to free your car and driveway?”

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There is a municipal ordinance, but since I live among the “free stuff” crowd, the law is rarely enforced. However, there is a clause in my homeowners insurance to the effect that I must maintain the sidewalk. Not doing so could jeopardize payment by the insurance company should someone slip and fall. I might be on the hook for any claim.

When the weather gets bad, I don’t go out, so for myself snow shoveling is not essential. The only person who comes to the house is the mailman. He’s a nice guy, so I wouldn’t want him falling and getting hurt.