Sidewalks, hallways, trails and park paths are shared by everyone: walkers, strollers, people in wheelchairs, dog walkers, runners. The same fairness as lines and crowds keeps everyone moving.
Key idea
Walk on the right. In a group, don’t spread out across the whole path. If you need to stop or check your phone, step to the side. And clean up after yourself.
Why it works
When everyone keeps right, people going opposite ways pass easily. A group walking four across forces others into the street or the grass. Stopping in the middle of a busy path is like stopping in a doorway: everyone behind you has to swerve. Litter left behind becomes someone else’s job.
Worked example: A group walk
Mia, Sam and Ruby are walking side by side on a sidewalk when a woman with a stroller comes toward them. What should they do?
- Move into single file or two by two on the right.
- Leave room for the stroller to pass.
- Then spread back out once she has passed, if there is room.
Answer: Single file on the right until the stroller passes.
Worked example: Checking directions
Omar needs to look at a map on his phone while walking in a busy downtown area. What should he do?
- Step to the side, out of the flow of people, next to a wall or a bench.
- Check the map.
- Then step back into the flow and keep right.
Answer: Step to the side to check, then rejoin the flow.
Common mistake
Stopping in the middle of a busy walkway or doorway. If you need to stop, step to the side, so the people behind you can keep going.
On a shared path, people on bikes often say “On your left” before they pass. If you hear it, keep to the right. Pick up after a dog you are walking, too.