Sidewalk Etiquette in the Era of Social Distancing

                                                                                           

                                                           “Manners are having a sensitive awareness of others.”                                                                                                                                                                                                                           -  Emily Post

 

As states in the U.S and countries around the world begin to reopen, there will be many more people walking on the city sidewalks.  Guidelines for walking on the sidewalk have always existed, although many did not know the guidelines or follow them, for whatever reason. Now, however, it is critical that we do our part and follow these guidelines.  Knowing and following the rules of etiquette for polite behavior in society makes the world a more pleasant, orderly, and, in some cases safer place to be. 

Below are some previously existing as well as some new guidelines to make life less stressful for everyone when we are out-and-about in the city again. Being considerate and having a sensitive awareness of others has never been more necessary. 

 

1. Stay to the right. When waking on the sidewalk, keep to the far right side of the sidewalk.  Avoid walking in the center of it by yourself or with another person. (People coming toward you on their side of the sidewalk will pass you on your left side.)

2. Pace yourself with your fellow pedestrians. If you walk more slowly than everyone else, people will become impatient with you, and try to pass you, getting much closer to you than they should. Step it up a bit if you see everyone around you walking at a much faster pace.

3. Be patient. I know it is not easy, but if you do get trapped behind a slow walker, try to be patient with them. They may not be aware you are behind them and would like to pass them.

4. Ask nicely: Would it be okay if I passed you?  You have every right to pass someone who is walking too slowly or more slowly than you. Now, however, since we need to keep our distance, it would be a good idea to alert the person to your presence and politely let them you know you would like to pass them so they can step aside. And when they move away, say “Thank you.”

5. Do not take over the entire sidewalk. If you are walking with some friends, walk in twos –not four or more abreast–so there will be room for people to pass you.

6. Be a considerate traveler. If you are pulling rolling luggage, keep it close to your body so that you are not taking up more room than you need to on the sidewalk, or tripping someone walking behind you.

7. Social distance. Try to maintain at least 6 feet or 2 meters between you and the person you are walking behind, as well as someone walking in the same direction as you if that person is unknown to you. If you need to get a little closer than this to pass someone, do so as quickly as possible. If someone is getting too close to you, ask them to please move a little further away, adding that it for their safety as well as yours. 

8. Stay alert; don’t text. Focus on walking and social distancing, rather than looking at your phone. Now, more than ever, it would be a good idea to focus on your surroundings so that you can follow the above guidelines.

9. Do not stop suddenly. If you want to look in a  store window, take a selfie or picture of something interesting,  be mindful of others walking near you before suddenly stopping. And when you do stop, step away from the sidewalk traffic “lanes.”

10. Eat in restaurants or other appropriate places—not walking down the sidewalk. Again, you want to focus on your surroundings and keep up your pace. Plus, it is never a good idea to be eating while walking down the sidewalk. Snack bars and ice cream cones are acceptable in some circumstance. Pizza and sandwiches are not acceptable.

11. Throw your waste in the city-provided trash cans. Keeping the city clean will make it more sanitary, as well as pleasing to view. There is no excuse for throwing plastic gloves or food packaging on the street.

12. Should you accidentally get too close to someone or bump them with your shopping bag, back pack, or umbrella, say, “Excuse me.” 

13. Keep calm; walk on; and wear a mask! Wearing a mask or face covering may not  be required where you live, but wearing one when you are walking in a busy area filled with pedestrians shows that you have a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others and a concern for their welfare.  Wearing a mask now is a kind and considerate thing to do.  

14. Move as far away from others as possible before sneezing or coughing. Even if you are wearing a mask, should you need to sneeze or cough, move as far away from everyone as possible before doing so. Keep in mind it is going to take some time before people become comfortable being out in the public with strangers. So, try not to take it personally if they look at you with disdain or fear in their eyes. Be empathetic to their discomfort.

 

 

By:  Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

        May 2020