Pro tip: if you look where you're shovelling, you'll probably have less to shovel at the end of the day.

Every day, I walk to university. I see many of my kind, heads down against the wind, squinting into the sun checking for traffic and shifting anxiously, waiting for the College Drive crosswalk light to turn.

Lately, however, we have faced a new enemy on our daily jaunts. I see my comrades’ eyes glued to the sidewalk, their feet placed carefully, walking in fear of the slippery ice that causes gymnastic feats more appropriate for some twisted Cirque du Soleil performance.

This ice is caused, of course, by a combination of people not cleaning their sidewalks and warm temperatures. One is far more welcome than the other.

In our fair city, owners and occupants of property are required by a bylaw to clear sidewalks of snow and ice to prevent injury or inconvenience to pedestrians. Such debris must be cleared within 48 hours.

Numerous citizens of Saskatoon, however, seem not to know or care about this rule. On my walks to school, about half the sidewalks are regularly cleared of snow and ice. Unfortunately, many of the residences closest to the University— that get the most foot traffic — are also the worst at clearing snow, preferring instead to let dozens of students slowly pack down a path. A few sidewalks along Bottomley Ave. over these last weeks had at least two inches of ice. Many students opted to walk on the patchy grass or even the road, taking advantage of what paltry traction they could find.

The recent cold snap and large snowfall inspired people to get out and shovel instead of letting pedestrians make their own way. However, with the weather warming up to over zero again, ice is quite likely to return.

Of course, not everyone can easily clean off the snow; some are elderly, or have health concerns or mobility restrictions. Non-profit community organizations, money-hungry kids and good neighbours fill the gaps here. The city has wisely instigated a “snow angels” program recognizing those admirable individuals who help their neighbours clear snow.

The remainder of those who consistently refuse or forget to shovel their sidewalks, I must conclude, suffer from laziness and indifference. Uncleared sidewalks can be reported to the city, who will check the site and request that it be cleared. No fines will be placed. However, if the city has to clear the sidewalk, the cost, from $100 to $150, will be added to the property taxes.

Perhaps if more pedestrians call in and raise awareness about the often deplorable state of the sidewalks, we’ll be able to walk to school, to a friend’s or just as a break from studying without having to focus all our energy on staying upright.

I live in a house. I know it’s a tad annoying to go shovel snow for a few minutes, especially when it’s cold. But bundle up, take a break from Jersey Shore and Skyrim, and for the love of your fellow students and pedestrians, clean the snow off your sidewalk!

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Photo: Peter Guthrie/flickr