Understanding the importance of sidewalk etiquette is pertinent to creating a safe and courteous sidewalk environment
By JHANA RHODES— opinion@theaggie.org
I was walking mindlessly on the winding path toward the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) when a biker almost hit me. A frantic cyclist had emerged through the trees, cutting right through the sidewalk and narrowly missing a sea of pedestrians. I could feel the gust of wind as the bike brushed past me, like bristles on a canvas. By the time I turned around, the biker was long gone, and I realized I narrowly avoided becoming roadkill.
Regardless, that cyclist sounds like a grade-A jerk, right? Well, to give them the benefit of the doubt, they were probably running late for their audition for “Fast and Furious 11: Bikes Rule!” Oh, how I wish there were a list of rules to make the sidewalk a safe and courteous place. All right, I’ll stop with the dad jokes because you’re probably tired of it, but hold your horses because I have one more. The real kicker is that sidewalk safety rules do exist — it’s called sidewalk etiquette.
Sidewalk etiquette isn’t just for cyclists. It applies to pedestrians too. Yes, I’m talking to you. If you’re a couple that likes to walk side by side, gazing lovingly at each other, hand in hand at a snail’s pace — kindly move out of the way. And, if you’re single, the rules remain. Single and double riders alike, sidewalk etiquette is something everyone who uses the sidewalk should follow.
Now you’re probably thinking, who am I to lecture you about the sidewalk? You see, I’m just a fed-up pedestrian trying to get to class. But, enough complaining. Here is my two cents on sidewalk etiquette.
Let’s start with a scenario. You are walking down a sidewalk with two friends, Jane and John. While showing your friends your favorite Nicholas Alexander Chavez edit, you notice a pedestrian trying to pass you in your peripheral vision. Do you: A, continue walking side by side, preventing the pedestrian from passing; B, walk slower or C, yield to the pedestrian, moving to the right. If you chose C, you get a gold star!
If you’ve chosen any option other than C, don’t feel too bad. I too have been a sidewalk menace — headphones on, engrossed in a midterm study cram, too oblivious to realize that I had been forcing others to trek through dirt and sticky tree sap to get past me. Don’t make the same rookie mistakes I did: Follow these basic rules, and you’ll become a grandmaster at sidewalk etiquette rizz:
- Stay to your right.
- “Please,” “thank you” and “excuse me” go a long way. If you’re having trouble getting past someone on the sidewalk, refrain from the passive-aggressive comments. Politely excuse yourself when passing them.
- On the sidewalk, two heads aren’t always better than one. If you’re with a group of people, stagger yourselves to let others pass.
- Not all vehicles are cars. Bikes, scooters, roller skates and especially hoverboards are considered vehicles. There are more protected bike lanes (and roads) in Davis than there are sidewalks, so please ride your vehicle in the designated lane and off of the sidewalk.
There are countless unspoken rules and requirements others are going to want you to follow. But, to keep it simple, just be considerate. From the girl with crutches who broke her leg during soccer practice to two friends riding their bikes to grab lunch in Downtown Davis to the grandfather taking a leisurely morning stroll with his grandson, we all deserve a safe place to walk on. You don’t have to remember all of them, but being aware of at least a few of the sidewalk rules can make things easier for everyone. Remember, sharing is caring. Lastly, just know this: If you’re on the sidewalk riding your bike and almost hit me with it, beware because, like Taylor Swift, I will write about it.
Written by: Jhana Rhodes— jsrho@ucdavis.edu
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by individual columnists belong to the columnists alone and do not necessarily indicate the views and opinions held by The California Aggie.
