Chicago could eventually be responsible for clearing at least some city sidewalks in winter, after aldermen advanced a proposal that could lead to a sidewalk snowplow pilot program.

       Under the proposal, which moved forward Friday, a working group will recommend guidelines for a sidewalk plowing pilot program, which will then be subject to City Council approval. Earlier versions of the proposal would have formally created the pilot program, but aldermen ultimately passed the watered-down version in part because some raised concerns about the number of factors that remained unknown, like the cost of the program and the location of pilot zones.

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       Under current city rules, clearing sidewalks when they are snowy or icy is the responsibility of property owners. Advocates have urged the city to take on that duty, saying inconsistent clearing by owners leaves patches of snow and ice on sidewalks that make it hard for people to get to transportation, jobs, stores and other elements of city life. They say uncleared sidewalks are especially challenging for those with disabilities, who are elderly, or parents of young children in strollers.