I don't think laziness is a factor here. Shoveling snow is one of the most strenuous activities there are. It can cause heart attacks, back strain and hypothermia. I agree with freee and Deathfrombelow that gov't should not force people to do anything with property that doesn't even belong to them. Check out this site for the Scoop on Snow shoveling Safety -
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/snow.htm
Most people drive, therefore people who choose to walk in the snow should have to take responsibility for themselves. There should be tort reform and if the city gov'ts insist on this being done for people, then they should cut some other program to provide the service for them.
I, personally don't recall asking our city gov't to do anything with the sidewalks, in fact, I never even asked for the damn things.