I reside in a nation where driving is done on the right side of the street. I’ve noticed that, for the most part (unless distracted by their phones, are intentionally flexing, or just being inconsiderate), most folks from a similar background, also seem to tend to walk on the right side of two-way paths, sidewalks, etc, and tend to “dodge” or veer right when encountering oncoming fellow pedestrians.
Is the reverse the trend for pedestrians in regions where folks drive on the left side of streets (UK, Japan, India, Australia, etc)?
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In Australia, there is a strong presumption towards keeping left as a pedestrian (and overtaking on the right - e.g. etiquette on escalators is to keep left, but if you are walking up the escalator, overtake to the right).
In some particularly busy places (especially on shared footpath / bike lane zones) there are even arrows on the pavement to ensure tourists know what side to keep to.
There are always a few people (probably tourists) who don’t follow the local etiquette.
Important to note Australians drive on the left. So this matches what OP observes.
I think the general rule (that also applies on one-way streets, etc.) is that the pedestrian lane closest to traffic should face in the direction of oncoming traffic, so cars aren’t approaching from their blind spot.
Yes. This is the rule ive always followed and heard too.
This is the rule I’ve tried to follow. Exceptions for vulnerable people. When I’m pushing the pram though I’m getting the inside lane.
There is a tendency to walk on the left in Japan as well. I wouldn’t call it a rule but a vibe. For a society that is rigidly built on rules and conventions, they are remarkably flexible when it comes to tolerating people who swim against the stream. Not wanting to cause a fuss overrides a New Yorker outburst of the “Hey, I’m walking here!” variety. IMO they also insist less on the right of way or other car traffic rules when behind the wheel.
I can’t understand why people in Kansai stand on the right of escalators
Because they are a rebellious bunch. But it doesn’t matter because in one belief the whole country seems united. And that is to ignore all the pleas of train operators to stand on both sides of the escalators to prevent long lines and crowding on the platforms. We’re having none of that sensible crap.
Yes, I generally walk on the left and my wife has to remind me sometimes that I am not living in a prison island anymore.
Growing up in Norway, where roads are narrow, days are short, and snow piles up above a second grader’s head, we were taught to use sidewalks, when they are available, or walk on the left (we drive on the right). I think it’s supposed to make it easier to see oncoming traffic and get out of the way.
More importantly, though, was to wear reflective clothing. As a driver: please for the love of God don’t go running in a black track suit along a dark country road early in the morning. You’re not a fucking ninja. Wear something reflective.
Edit: I looked it up and it’s actually in the law.
Same in Germany. It is only mandatory to walk on the left when outside of cities though. I have noticed people from cities not knowing this rule or why it makes sense to use the opposite side of motor traffic.
Right side roads here, tend to follow the same pattern on sidewalks and hallways for consistency and that seems to work out for everyone.
When walking on a road itself, walk into traffic (left side) so you can see if you need to move out of the way. Bikes go the same direction because they are grouped in with vehicles.
No such rules in the UK. It’s everyone for themselves on whichever side they feel like.
I have the opposite experience, went to London a while ago and kept noticing most people keep left instead of right like I’m used to.
That’s London. They have their own rules.
even on escalators?
I think there’s people on the London Underground who will grumble and tut if you stand on the wrong side, but I can’t remember as I haven’t been there in years.
I walk wherever seems the safest. If it’s just me I’ll walk in the middle so I can dodge either direction should I need to. If passing someone who’s coming towards me I gauge direction based on the variables such as a dog or multiple people or whatever. Sometimes it’s better to stand aside and let them pass. Sometimes is better to just detour into the grass momentarily. It all depends.
If I am with someone I tend to stand between them and whatever the most dangerous thing might be. So usually towards the street with the cars, but I will swap sides if the other side has groups of people that are the more immediate potential threat.
At the end of the day I walk faster than most and I am bigger than most so I just walk wherever and try to avoid collision pathing.
I always assumed we follow school/driving rules, always stay on the right. I live in Toronto and I’ve noticed the sidewalks and bike lanes just devolve into a free-for-all. Or when a group of 5 all take up the entire sidewalk and theres no where for anyone to go.
My state has a law that you are to walk on the left side of the road. Check whatever level of laws you under?
If you are walking at the edge of the roadway (not on a sidewalk separate from the road) you should be walking on the left, against traffic, so you can see oncoming traffic on your side as you go.
If you are approaching another pedestrian who is walking towards you, each pedestrian should walk to the right of the other while passing.
Reverse all sides for countries that drive on the left.
The older I get the less sense this makes. I cannot dodge a car, and the roads I’m on have a narrow shoulder such that I cannot move off. As such seeing the car doesn’t’ help me at all. Worse if there is an on comming car someone has to stop because there is not room, at least if I’m going the same way as cars they can slow down to a walking speed (granted they probably won’t, but…)
That’s more a problem with the road you speak of being very pedestrian unfriendly.
That is most of them saddly
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