Now that I have lived in NYC for over a year now, I have done a lot of walking on the sidewalks of the city and am familiar with the adventure of walking in public. Someone said that they can get road rage just walking. I can understand that feeling. Many times I am stunned by how people walk. There should be some rules so I have my list of unofficial rules for walking in public.
#1
Be aware of your surroundings.
Believe it or not, you may not be the ONLY person walking on the sidewalk. Walking on the sidewalks of a major city would go a lot smoother if people would just simply beware of others around them. This will be a common theme among the other rules to follow.
#2
Walk on this side you drive on.
It’s not hard, people. Since we live in America and drive on the right side of the road, naturally we should also walk on the right side. Obviously there are times when this is not possible but as a general rule we should all know which side to choose. I can’t tell you how many times I have been straight on with someone and they could not comprehend this simple knowledge. Walking flows much better when you are are the “right” side of the walkway.
#3
When walking in a group, don’t take up the entire sidewalk.
I have seen people - mostly tourists - walk four, five or six wide across the sidewalk and refuse to move out of the way. Again - be aware of your surroundings - adjust to other walkers. You’re not the only one walking.
#4
If you have to stop, step to the side first.
Do NOT come to a dead stop or suddenly turn around. I had this happen to me twice just today. People walking and suddenly decide to either stop suddenly or stop and turn around. If you need to stop and regroup, it’s best to step to the side and left the walking traffic continue with their pace.
#5
Merge to walkers when exiting a store.
It amazes me how people will exit a store totally oblivious that others might be walking by. I have had close calls carrying our Starbucks order when people have bolted out of stores and nearly collided with me. The people on the sidewalk have the right of way.
#6
Don’t tailgate someone.
Just with driving, you shouldn’t tailgate people walking in front of you. They don’t need to feel your breath on their neck. Adjust your stride or pass the person ahead of you. Don’t walk on their heels.
#7
Don’t blow smoke, cough or sneeze without making sure no one is around you.
It’s rude and there are also health risks involved in doing it. I’ve even had people spit in front of me. That’s gross and totally inconsiderate.
#8
Be alert at pedestrian crossings.
Street crossings are very dangerous. You have to look out for vehicles, bicycles, scooters and other transportation on the street. I yelled at a lady walking in front of me today when she was nearly hit by a bicycle. Always assume that a vehicle may not yield to you in the crosswalk. Sometimes they may not even see you.
#9
Put the phone away when you are walking.
This one is very annoying. People lose all sense of their surroundings when they are texting or looking at their phones instead of walking. If you need to look at your phone, step to the side or do it while you are stopped at a crosswalk.
The main point is to be aware of your surroundings. We don’t always walk at the same pace and we are all need to be somewhere too. Think of others. It’s not that difficult to do.
The worst places to walk in NYC are the tourist areas like Times Square, Central Park or during Christmas. People lose their minds and forget how to walk in public.
Recognize the flow of movement, the pace of people walking and realize that you are not the only one walking.
