Treks to and from schools and the train are punctuated with expletives and other slip-ups this week as folks navigate some seriously treacherous stretches of unsalted residential sidewalks.

Maplewoodians not properly shoveling and/or salting their properties have left other Maplewoodians hopping (and slipping) mad:

“Aren't property owners supposed to shovel their sidewalks?! Why are some inconsiderate folks able to endanger others while the vast majority does the right thing,” questions a peeved Jennifer Thieroff.

“Walking kids to school crossing Somer & Osborne Terrace is truly scary. Both corners are totally blocked with mountains of snow,” says Terrie Brodie. “You’ve got no choice but to walk in middle of street and into traffic. Don't get me started about the sidewalks near said corners!”

Having walked to school ON Tuscan Road (to avoid the icy sidewalks) yesterday morning, I have to say I agree with Laurie Zlotnick, who quips, “You know it's bad when it is safer to walk on the roads than on the sidewalks....in Jersey!”

Good news is that most people are doing their best to keep walkways safe, including Louis Toledo’s landlord at Maplewood Karate: “Sidewalk condition where my studio is located is always awesome,” reports Toledo. “The landlord is on top of things at 530 Valley Street - parking lot and everything.”

Those who want to follow the stellar example set by Louis’ landlord and other sidewalk-savvy Maplewoodians can start by simply pouring on the rock salt. (Really- that’s all it takes to make an icy stretch a little safer, plus it’s a whole lot cheaper than a lawsuit!!!!) Since we’re in for some more snow Saturday, everyone might want to add salt to their shopping list, if only for safety’s sake...

Granted rock salt’s in scarce supply in town (Kings got a shipment in Tuesday, sold out Wednesday, and hopes to have more today), but we did find an abundance in stock at Ricciardi Brothers on Springfield. Mike there reports they have substantial rock salt in stock (50 pound bags for $7.99) as well as calcium chloride pellets ($19.99 for a 50 pound bag).

They do. I bought two bags – to add to the 50 pound bag of sand I picked up Wednesday at Home Depot (the biggest Depot in the universe was completely out of salt). I’m hoping it’ll make life a little less of a slippery slope for those who have to walk my corner lot. It’s also the right thing to do with these conditions.

Judy Nunn, who walks her three boys to school and is on the Safety Committee at Tuscan Elementary, sums it up nicely: “Everybody’s in the same boat,” she says. “We’re all trying to get our kids to school - or get to work - safely. We need to remember, at the end of the day, that we’re all neighbors. Common sense, courtesy, some shoveling and a little rock salt goes a LONG way… so does leaving home a few minutes earlier to navigate the icy terrain!”

Safe travels, everyone.