Walking is the simplest, most earth-friendly means of transporting yourself from Point A to Point B, but it comes with its fair share of difficulties. Here are some common problems and questions pedestrians face.
1. “Don’t I have the right of way?”
We’ve all been there- you’re about to step off the curb when a car comes whipping around the corner. The orange hand on the sign has been swapped for a little person. It’s your turn to go, but this vehicle has plans of its own. If you’re in a rush, you may not back down. You could give the driver a cold glare while dashing into the street, but this might put your life in jeopardy. Most of the time, you’ll probably back away shyly and curse them in your head.
2. “Where did that bike come from?”
It’s always awkward dealing with cyclists when on foot. They’re somewhere between the walkers and the drivers, and no one is quite sure of their position on the transportation food chain. Cars are likely to show the two of you the same level of respect, but you probably ought to yield to the bikes on account of their wheels and speed and potential to injure you.
3. “Are they waiting for me to go?”
While it’s nice for motorists acknowledge your rights, you sometimes feel guilty for making them wait as you stroll along that crosswalk. Not wanting to take up more of their time, you engage in the courteous yet uncomfortable act of the "half-jog". You know the one. You sort of brush your feet quickly in long strides, and almost inevitably throw up the "thanks-for-waiting" wave. You may end up a bit out of breath, but they’re probably a little grateful.
4. “How can they be walking this slowly?”
Slow walkers are the bane of a walking commuter’s existence. These people, typically in pairs, are in no rush at all, and they often take up the entire width of the sidewalk. When you’re walking solo, you just speed up a bit and pass them. This isn’t usually an issue- the problem arises when you’re walking with another person. You have two options. The first is to have one of you lead the way and circumnavigate your obstacle, like a mother duck and her ducklings. The other choice (my personal go-to) is to split up. You each take a side and squeeze past them, only to reunite with your friend in your rightful place at the head of the pack.5. “I hope they don’t think I’m following them.”
Life is full of coincidences. Sometimes they’re fun, and sometimes they’re just painful. On occasion, you'll end up behind someone walking at your exact pace, on your exact route. These encounters typically only last for a minute or two, but it feels like a lifetime. You’re just trying to get to your destination (as are they), but you’re stuck in a brief game of “follow the leader” that you never asked to play.Don’t let these roadblocks stand in your way, fellow pedestrians. Just stay alert—it’s brutal out there.
