Snow on the sidewalk is more than just an inconvenience. Most towns and cities in the area encourage business owners and property owners to clear their sidewalks. Many require it.
These municipalities require all property owners to clear sidewalks: See the whole Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning report here
Algonquin
Chicago
Cicero
Countryside
East Dundee
Elmwood Park
Evanston
Grayslake
Haover Park
Palos Heights
River Forest
South Elgin
Wheeling
If you find yourself trudging through snow on a sidewalk in these towns and cities, call the municipality and let them know. In the City of Chicago, call 311.
The City of Chicago is struggling to find the money to clear streets from snow. That means snowy bike lanes, too. If you are riding in a bike lane on a street that is clear, call the city at 311 and ask them to clear it quickly!