Historical September–October 2021 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
When I travel to a new city, I always note the sidewalk scene as an insight into the community I am visiting. Kids on the street, sidewalk chalk gracing the sidewalks, adults pushing strollers, bikers, runners. and those walking to catch the train all tell me something about the community, something good.
I see all this in my Skinker-DeBaliviere community. Though we are graced with Forest Park nearby, the streets of our neighborhood are vibrant and gleeful, and full. Full of neighbors walking, running, cycling, walking dogs, stroller walking, walker walking.
I love it!
It comes sometimes, though without any rules.
As a regular (that means daily for me) walker, I am confronted with groups walking side by side providing no place for me or others to walk, dogs, unintended showers from neighbor’s sprinklers and of course the cute wandering kids.
I wondered if there are rules for the sidewalk like rules for the road.
It turns out there are. Consulting my favorite quick info source, the internet, I found several sets of rules.
Most had common themes.
From the City of Boston’s Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) I found this: I can’t help but be reminded of a lyric from Aerosmith. Instead of creating a city of padded surfaces, I’d rather we borrow some rules of the road and “walk this way” to share the sidewalks with our fellow pedestrians: • Stay to the right – This is the number one rule of walking. • Don’t stop suddenly – You wouldn’t do that in a car, so why do it while walking? Stopping short can create a three-pedestrian pile up behind you. • Don’t take up the entire sidewalk – If you’re walking with one or more people, try not to all walk in a parallel line. • Walk faster or move over – Very similar to the right-hand lane on the highway. • Get off the phone – To bring it all back around again, get off the phone.
I know it’s difficult (I do it too).
Another group of ‘experts’ Diane Gottsman and Jeff Peo added: • Watch Your Bags – Keep your packages and purse close to your body for safety reasons – and so you don’t hit other pedestrians,” • Skip the Smoke – If you smoke, be kind to everyone around (and especially behind) you. Vaping doesn’t give you a free pass, either. • Use Your Inside Voice – Travelers should keep in mind that the volume of voices adds up. Unless you’re marching in a parade or protest, err on the side of your “indoor voice”. And now I’ll add my suggestions: • Keep your dog on a leash – Keep them on a leash at your side.
Also make sure that you and your dogs do not take up the entire sidewalk. • Make sure your sprinkler does not sprinkle the sidewalk –I know you are trying to water the broadest area possible to keep that lawn and plantings looking great, but I shouldn’t have to get wet or walk in the street as a result. So, let’s keep the sidewalks safe and fun and dry for all by following these rules. Maybe I’ll see you on my next walk. Oh, and I love the wandering kids. Let’s just keep them safe.
They make me happy. See ya!
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2021.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2021_09.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 3.
