What Side to Walk On
A (Possibly) Helpful Guide
I never used to walk on the sidewalk. The neighborhood in which I grew up was small enough and quiet enough that walking in the street itself was safe. I have walked more miles in that neighborhood than any other, and for a time I really did walk right in the middle of the street, where the asphalt comes to a slight peak so rain flows down into the gutter on either side. I straddled that centerline, only moving over for the occasional mini-van or sedan heading home towards its respective driveway. It felt right to be in the middle, to be the same distance from the houses on both sides of the street. I thought I might miss something if I walked on only one side, on the sidewalk.
I have since lived and walked in neighborhoods where you would need a death wish to walk in the middle of the street like that. The road is busier, the speed limit is higher, the drivers are not as concerned with pedestrians. The sidewalks on these types of streets are the only option, the safe banks on a rushing industrial river.
I have also lived and walked in a neighborhood where there was no sidewalk, and so whether you were in the middle of the road or not, you were sharing the same piece of pavement with the passing cars. There was no curb either, and so walking safely meant walking on that thin strip where the cracked asphalt bleeds unevenly into front yard and flowerbed. Walking on these roads, walking the physical line where development ends and dirt begins, makes me imagine roads as thin strips of black frosting laid over the earth like a giant, round cake.
I now walk on the sidewalk almost always. But a question I have yet to answer conclusively is what side of the street one should walk on at any given time. Research has shown that walking against traffic is much safer when walking in the actual road (being able to see cars coming makes it much easier to dodge them). But does this also apply to sidewalks? What other factors could there be? I have thought, mostly while walking, about what goes into picking a side of the street. I have compiled the criteria I use below.
Walk on the side of the street that has a sidewalk.
If neither side has a sidewalk, walk against traffic.
If both sides have a sidewalk, walk on the side with the older sidewalk.
If you are taking pictures on your walk, walk on the side of the street that has more sunshine falling on it.
If the temperature is above normal comfort levels, walk on the side of the street with more shade.
If you can see a dog up ahead, walk on that side of the street and ask to pet the dog.
If you are walking with someone, ask them what side of the street they would prefer.
Walk on the side of your more dominant eye.
All things being equal or the answers to these questions being inconclusive, continue walking on the side of the street you are already on.
Links to things I’ve enjoyed recently:
In my just-out-of-college opinion, The Social Photo by Nathan Jurgenson should be required reading for photography and digital media majors. Easily understandable and cleverly constructed, it is the first piece of serious writing I have come across that puts social media in the context of photography history. And Jurgenson’s surprisingly hopeful outlook on social media is a refreshing break from the normal doomer take.
I recently visited some friends in West Philly, and I’m not just saying this because they’re my friends, but they’re doing some really cool stuff. Check out Latchkey Kids if you want a taste of the amazing Philly/South Jersey DIY music scene, and literally everyone should be following @lew.blum.fan.
I saw a desert quail in my backyard for the first time the other day, and they are really beautiful birds. The little doodad on their heads is called a topknot.