Clearing of sidewalks needs enforced

Monday noon a co-worker decided to start his exercise program by walking back to the office after lunch. So instead of the usual Monday luncheon of Chinese food, we opted to go to a fast-food restaurant in Belpre, which would mean about a two mile walk back to the office for my lunch partner.

But, as we drove across the Belpre-Parkersburg bridge and down the street in Belpre, my cohort in crime was checking the snow- and ice-covered sidewalks, wondering if the attempt to walk back to the office would result in a sprained ankle or worse.

Needless to say, he rode back to the office and opted to start the luncheon walks once the weather gets better or the sidewalks are cleared of ice and snow, as the law requires.

We then argued about which was worse, people not clearing their sidewalks of ice and snow or the idiots who clear their sidewalks by shoveling or snowblowing it into the street. As you would guess from the way I phrased it, my vote was for the idiots who make the street crews' efforts more difficult by putting their snow into the street.

If ever there were a good reason for issuing a citation, putting snow into the street would be right up there toward the top in my book.