Pedestrians Walking on Right or Left?

Submitted ⁨⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago⁩ by ⁨Mystech@lemmy.world⁩ to ⁨nostupidquestions@lemmy.world⁩

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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Comments

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AbouBenAdhem@lemmy.world ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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- SnokenKeekaGuard@lemmy.dbzer0.com ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  Yes. This is the rule ive always followed and heard too.
  
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- Yermaw@lemm.ee ⁨7⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  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.
  
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slazer2au@lemmy.world ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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folekaule@lemmy.world ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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- finn_der_mensch@discuss.tchncs.de ⁨5⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  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.
  
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FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website ⁨8⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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- Railison@aussie.zone ⁨7⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  I can’t understand why people in Kansai stand on the right of escalators
  
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  - FriendOfDeSoto@startrek.website ⁨6⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    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.
    
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spankmonkey@lemmy.world ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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Zip2@feddit.uk ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
No such rules in the UK. It’s everyone for themselves on whichever side they feel like.

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- NightFantom@slrpnk.net ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  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.
  
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  - Zip2@feddit.uk ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    That’s London. They have their own rules.
    
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- sasquash@sopuli.xyz ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
  even on escalators?
  
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  - Zip2@feddit.uk ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
    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.
    
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Kyle_The_G@lemmy.world ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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meco03211@lemmy.world ⁨12⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
My state has a law that you are to walk on the left side of the road. Check whatever level of laws you under?

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MoreFPSmorebetter@lemmy.zip ⁨13⁩ ⁨hours⁩ ago
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.

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