Sidewalk Etiquette

If you live in the city you walk everywhere. Thats just the way it is. So, as a result, sidewalk etiquette becomes very important. Lately I have noticed that some people in Milwaukee need a crash course in etiquette. So, i'm here to give it to them. Here are the top 10 rules for walking on a city sidewalk.

#1) Walk at a normal speed. Too many times I have tried to pass slow walkers on my way to class (see #10). Just because you don't have anywhere that you have to be does not mean that the rest of us are not in a hurry. I think that we should establish a slow lane just like on the highway for those people who wish to walk at a leisurely pace.

#2) Stay in the right lane. Think of the sidewalk as a rode for pedestrians. You would never drive in the left lane, so why would you walk on the left side on the sidewalk? It will only cause confusion and collisions. Don't do it.

#3) No bikes. Bikes are considered a vehicle. vehicles do not belong on sidewalks. Ride on the street with the rest of the vehicles, it is a simple as that.

#4) No smoking. There is nothing worse than walking to class on a particularly windy day in Milwaukee (which is most of the time), and having a giant cloud of smoke get blown into your face by the person in front of you. Smoking should be a stationary activity.

#5) Don't stop and talk. I know that you probably think that the conversation you are having in the middle of the sidewalk is really important, but most of us don't care. If you must stop and talk please step to the side so the rest of us can pass.

#6) Don't walk three people wide. This is not the Wizard of Oz. There is no reason why all three of you need to be walking side my side. It encroaches on the left lane traffic and prevents safe passing.

#7) Texting while walking leads to collisions. You know that we have all seen it. Someone is walking while texting and ends up walking into a poll or something. Its just not safe.

#8) no abrupt stopping. This is pretty obvious, unlike cars we have no taillights, so if you make an abrupt stop the person walking behind you will bump into you. There is just no avoiding it.

#9) Dont skateboard. See rule #3.

#10) allow passing. This is the most crucial rule. If you are doing any of the above offenses, you must always allow the option for someone to pass you. There is nothing more annoying then being stuck behind a pack of slow walking smokers who abruptly stop to have a conversation.