It is scandalous that none of our major RI cities enforce their own sidewalk-clearing ordinances -- and in fact, some cities violate their own rules by failing to clear walkways adjacent to municipally owned land, such as city parks. Police have actually refused residents' requests to ticket non-complying properties on very busy roads. "It's not my job." Well, yes, it *is* your job.

This fatality is tragic, as was the one that happened not too many years ago on North Main St in Providence just north of University Heights. People and business owners: shovel your sidewalks or hire someone to do it! It's the right thing to do.

I generally like to walk to do my errands as several stores are in the vicinity of my house.
One is for my health, and two to avoid using my car just to go around the block.
I find it totally unacceptable that the area businesses actualy dump their snow on the sidewalks! In Europe these businesses would be written up with no warnings at all. After they pay several fines you'd be surprised how fast the sidewalks would be clear.
Here in the States no one seems to care. In fact I went to Pawtucket City Hall yesterday and was shocked that the sidewalk across the City Hall had a mound of snow dumped on it from the municipal parking lot. Had to walk in the street with RIPTA buses brushing by my shoulders!!!
Futhermore, I can't believe how ignorant these businesses are - one if a fatality occured as a result of their negligence to clear the sidewalk they would be found liable for the damages.
Exactly like rear ending someone in your vehicle and killing the person - you'd be 100% at fault!

This is very sad. However, at least where I live in N. Kingstown it is impossible to hire anyone to shovel sidewalks. What is an elderly or infirm homeowner to do then?