Are You A Sidewalk Menace? Top 10 Etiquette Rules You Need To Know

Understanding and practicing good sidewalk etiquette ensures you and other fellow walkers will get to their destinations safely. While most people have a basic understanding of how to walk on a sidewalk, there are some rules that you may not be aware of. 

In this article we will look at the top 10 sidewalk etiquette rules you need to know.

Know Which Side Of The Sidewalk To Walk On 

When walking on a sidewalk, along a two-way road, you should always mimic the flow of traffic. In other words, if you are in an area that drives on the right side of the road, you should walk on the right side of the sidewalk and vice versa for places that drive on the left. This means whoever is walking closest to the road is walking against the flow of traffic.

Walking against the flow of traffic is the safest way to walk, if the road is a one-way road or if there is no sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, be sure to keep a buffer of around 2 feet between you and the road. Be sure to always look where you are walking to avoid accidentally stepping into a hole or slipping and falling onto the road.

Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Situational awareness is very important when walking on a sidewalk. Keep your head up and scan for any potential dangers like tripping hazards (including environmental ones like ice and snow), debris, other pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and animals.

Keep your ears open as well. Auditory cues such as a bell from a passing cyclist, horn from a car, or a runner saying "on your left" are all warnings that can prevent you from being bumped into or injured. If you enjoy listening to music while you walk, keep the volume low enough that you can still hear what is going on around you.

If you are someone who swings their arms while they walk, be considerate of others and try to reduce how wide and how far your swing so you don't accidentally hit someone. This rule also applies if you are carrying items like bags that may swing or impede someone's path.

Don't Text And Walk, Or While Crossing The Street 

Texting requires you to focus your sight and attention to your phone. Doing so while walking drastically increases the chances of you walking in the wrong direction, walking into something, someone or off the sidewalk and into danger.

If you are in a busy area and need to reply to a text, move to a safe spot away from foot traffic. Be sure to be aware with your surroundings before you start walking again to ensure you don't accidentally bump into someone as you step back onto the sidewalk.

When crossing the street, put your phone away until you reach the other side. Distracted walking can be dangerous, especially if you aren't aware of your surroundings. If you are on a call, tell the other person you will call them back or at the very least let them know you are moving your phone away from your ear until you cross the street.

Some smartphones have text to speech functions that allow you to listen to incoming texts and reply with your voice. Newer earbuds have the same functionality, allowing you to answer texts hands-free. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings.

Move Off The Sidewalk If You Need To Stop 

If you are walking then decide to stop, even for a split second, do a quick shoulder check, then move off to the side. Stopping abruptly without any notice could cause a pileup and result in some very unhappy people and/or injuries. You could even drop your phone if you stop to check a text or call, which could cost you a new screen or new phone.

If the sidewalk is busy, keep moving with the flow until you can safely move off to the side and out of the way. Highly congested areas such as malls, stadiums, and downtown streets during rush hour are all places where you should pay extra attention to those around you.

Avoid Walking On Or Across Someone's Lawn 

A common courtesy when walking through residential areas is to avoid walking on people's lawns. Many people consider this trespassing since you are on their property without permission. Some people take great pride in lawn care and want their lawns to look pristine.

Recently seeded lawns could suffer irreversible damage from foot traffic. There may also be hidden dangers lurking in taller grass like dog 'presents', broken glass or animals like rodents and snakes that could bite.

Common areas like parks, fields and greenspaces are perfectly fine to walk through. You may notice trails with flattened grass or a cut line through bushes. These are called 'desired paths'. These paths are typically created by years of people making shortcuts to reach their destination.

Know The Correct Way To Pass People On The Sidewalk 

When you are walking behind someone on a sidewalk and decide to pass them, be sure to inform them. A simple "on your left", if you are passing on their left or "excuse me", lets the other person know your actions and will avoid startling them if they aren't aware of your presence.

If you are approaching a slow walker, avoid walking uncomfortably close behind them. Keep a distance of around 5' (1.5 meters) behind them and pass them when there's no oncoming foot traffic. Be sure to leave enough room when passing them to not bump them or make them veer off the sidewalk.

Startling a person cause them to step off the sidewalk onto the road, possibly leading to injuries if they are struck by a vehicle, or into other hazards like bushes, walls, or off a leading edge down an embankment or hill. Never mind the increased heartrate of being caught off-guard.

Pay Attention To Your Speed When Walking With Other People

Studies have shown that people tend to walk slower in groups, so if you find yourself leading the pack, reduce your speed to the groups pace. People who talk while walking, tend to walk slower than those who don't, since both walking and talking require cognitive effort.

Sidewalk width also plays a role in walking speeds; narrow sidewalks can restrict people to walk in a single-file line rather than side by side. Changes in elevation, weather conditions, and carrying items can also play a role in walking speed.

People walk at different speeds based on personal factors including health, physical fitness, and age. Some people like to walk briskly while others walk slower. You may encounter someone who need to stop and rest during a walk. Sit with them and enjoy the scenery. They will appreciate the company.

Know And Understand The Sidewalk Rule 

The sidewalk rule is an act of chivalry where a man positions himself closest to the road when he is walking with a woman. This protects the woman from being splashed by puddles on the road or struck by a vehicle driving too close to the sidewalk. This act of good etiquette has had a resurgence in recent years, being considered a green flag by women looking for a man with good manners. 

We have an entire article dedicated to the sidewalk rule, simply titled 'What is the Sidewalk Rule?' It contains useful information including the history of the sidewalk rule, when to use the sidewalk rule, and a few examples of when to avoid using the sidewalk rule.

Practice Good Sidewalk Courtesy 

Be courteous to those around you and make sure there's enough room for people to pass you in both directions. Keep your eyes peeled and ears open for cyclists and runners as they will approach you faster than someone walking. Giving a friendly "hello" or "good day" as you pass someone is a great way to practice good etiquette and manners.

If you see someone drop something, like their wallet, be sure to inform them and return it to them. You should also warn other walkers of potential hazards like icy spots or uneven sidewalks if they are walking in the opposite direction. This will reduce the chances of injury, especially if they are elderly.

Don't Jay Walk 

Although jaywalking may not be considered a criminal act where you live, you should still practice proper etiquette and use crosswalks when crossing the street. Haphazardly darting across a road could lead to serious injuries especially if a driver doesn't have enough time to react (the average motorists has a reaction time of 1.5 seconds).

When crossing a street, be sure to cross at intersections as motorists will be more attentive to cross-traffic and pedestrian traffic alike. If the crosswalk is marked, wait until it is safe to cross (often indicated by a Walk / Don't Walk sign), look both ways, then proceed to when it is safe to do so.

If the intersection is unmarked, look both ways for vehicles before crossing. Make eye contact with any driver approaching the intersection and ensure they acknowledge you before you step on the road. If a driver stops and allows you to cross, give them a courtesy wave or acknowledgement as you make your way to the other side of the road.

Summary

Sidewalks are for everyone. After reading this article you now have a better understanding of how to behave properly when using sidewalks. All of the tips mentioned in this article are easy to remember and use. So next time you're out walking, use these tips to help make the experience a bit more enjoyable.

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