Who's in charge of sidewalks?

Look at that narrow median and barely existent shoulder on Bowery! Not seen here, the sidewalks are wide, crossing the street is what remains difficult. Image from Flickr, by antiparticle.

I thought this vignette well illustrated the lack of coordination in our streets. I believe sidewalks are a part of the street. But with no one taking responsibility, then...

Speaking of which, walking my dog has been a good experience in learning about good and bad pedestrian harbors. The median on Bowery between 4th and around Grand is just pathetic. Cybill S., a non-skittish, skinny dog, uncharacteristically cowers at approaching traffic, because she cannot stand in the median without some part of her in the traffic lane. The cars speed, taking advantage of the wide lanes. And there's barely any shoulder, so truck tires really do feel like they are running you down. I'm afraid that the same changes are going in for the median on Houston between Bowery and Broadyway.

These are wide streets with great sidewalks! They could be so much nicer, with a boulevard effect. If only.

Update: Polis weighs in on the matter!