Pedestrian Etiquette Rant

PhearlessPhreaks
PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
With the birth of our 2nd daughter, we recently purchased a double stroller, of which I have been making good use. However, I have noticed something that has become the very bane of my existence when out walking... Dumb *kitten* MoFo's not staying to the right when they are approaching oncoming "traffic". I wasn't sure if maybe *I* was the one being an ignorant jerk, so I did some research, and I was right- (in the US) proper pedestrian etiquette dictates staying to the right except to pass- be it a walking trail, bike path or sidewalk.

The amount of times I have encountered someone walking towards me (I always stay to the right side of the sidewalk, I do it without thinking) as I'm pushing this gigantic double stroller and *I'm* the one that ends up moving out of the way is becoming ridiculous, so NO MORE. Dumb F*cks beware!

/rant over
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Replies

  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    LOL you could start a stroller rant.
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    Unless otherwise posted as in here's one MUP that has specific pedestrian lane and bake lane. Most of us ignore it anyway, just like the 15 mph speed limit.
  • SerenaFisher
    SerenaFisher Posts: 2,170 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?
  • walleyclan1
    walleyclan1 Posts: 2,784 Member
    It drives me bonkers when people cross the crosswalks going sooooo slow. Speed walk! Knees to your chest!
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?

    If they don't have the right of way, stupid as *kitten*; however, Pedestrians do have the right of way in a crosswalk when the street they're crossing has a red light and said crosswalk has the white "walk" sign. Which, incidentally, I DID have that experience yesterday- even though I had pushed the button, waited for the light to change AND I waited for the first couple cars to go (because they clearly weren't going to wait for me) when it seemed clear, I started to go, and this dumb b*tch accelerated to get around me. I wish I'd had something heavy to throw her way.

    And to the other poster about ppl walking the crosswalk slowly- I KNOW!!! Especially when they don't actually have the right of way! Just go damn it, and get out of my way! lol
  • meg516
    meg516 Posts: 67 Member
    What about those people who walk down the street holding hands and have no interntions on letting go or walking single file for even one second so you can pass? ugh.
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    Unless otherwise posted as in here's one MUP that has specific pedestrian lane and bake lane. Most of us ignore it anyway, just like the 15 mph speed limit.



    Most of the streets in my city have a bike lane (though, that doesn't seem to stop a great number of cyclists from blatantly ignoring the rules of the road) so the sidewalks are just pedestrian. It just astounds me how many people don't know they should stay to the right.
  • tipadoo
    tipadoo Posts: 104 Member
    I SOOOOO agree. Unbelievable how dense some people are! I'm walking down the sidewalk and some woman is walking against the flow of pedestrians and everyone is forced to move out of her damned way so I stopped right in front of her and said "GET OVER - do you NOT drive"?!?!?! She quickly moved over - idiot.
  • Alluminati
    Alluminati Posts: 6,208 Member
    tumblr_lyjyybtS1n1qgicwt.gif
  • 230137isntmyweight
    230137isntmyweight Posts: 256 Member
    I always give way to strollers, wheelchairs and the elderly. It's basic manners. And quite frankly I don't trust drivers so I RUN across roads when the crosswalk gives me the go ahead light.
  • KarenJanine
    KarenJanine Posts: 3,497 Member
    Wow I'm going to have to learn a lot if I ever go to the US otherwise I'm going to cheese off a lot of people. Crossings / footpaths are a free for all where I come from.


    I do get annoyed when people are walking in front of you at a good pace but then stop for no good reason though. They need brake lights.
  • CollieFit
    CollieFit Posts: 1,683 Member
    My pet hate is women pushing prams on a cycle path when there is a perfectly good pavement available.
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    My pet hate is women pushing prams on a cycle path when there is a perfectly good pavement available.

    I can imagine how that would be really frustrating; plus, strollers/prams are much easier on pavement- why would someone *choose* off roading?????
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    I SOOOOO agree. Unbelievable how dense some people are! I'm walking down the sidewalk and some woman is walking against the flow of pedestrians and everyone is forced to move out of her damned way so I stopped right in front of her and said "GET OVER - do you NOT drive"?!?!?! She quickly moved over - idiot.

    Nice! I should probably do something like that...
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    tumblr_lyjyybtS1n1qgicwt.gif

    lol, but I'm a bit more graceful than that! My keystrokes are catlike.
  • dennik15
    dennik15 Posts: 97 Member
    I run at a local park that has a walking trail and a significantly wider road (no power vehicles allowed) for bikes, rollerblades, and the like. Most folks run on that and leave the walking trail to the people who are just out for a little stroll. The last week has seen the wider road shut down due to a bit of construction causing the walking trail to become congested. Surprisingly it's been OK and most people have been great about making room for runners and bikers to go around. Until last night...when an entire family (older gentleman in front with 6 teens behind) proceeded to stretch out across the entire path. Strolling, on their cell phones, not moving at all when someone was either trying to go around from behind or pass them from the other direction. All of us had to go off into the goose poop ridden grass to get around them. What the hell is that about? Ugh, people...
  • pwnderosa
    pwnderosa Posts: 280 Member
    YES! On this morning's jog I ran past FOUR groups of teenagers walking to school in groups of 3-4 across the sidewalk in one row, none of which would move the slightest for me to pass so I kept having to veer off the sidewalk (into the rocks which we have in AZ instead of grass).

    And since I discovered my headphones were broken again due to cat chewing....very annoying run! Kids these days! LOL
  • sixout
    sixout Posts: 3,128 Member
    I walk where I want to walk. You can't control me!


    yHdo8Dy.gif
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    I walk where I want to walk. You can't control me!


    yHdo8Dy.gif

    Haha- just don't be out walking the streets of Albany on the left, otherwise you'll be run over by my double stroller!!
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    YES! On this morning's jog I ran past FOUR groups of teenagers walking to school in groups of 3-4 across the sidewalk in one row, none of which would move the slightest for me to pass so I kept having to veer off the sidewalk (into the rocks which we have in AZ instead of grass).

    And since I discovered my headphones were broken again due to cat chewing....very annoying run! Kids these days! LOL

    Groups are just ridiculous- it's not hard to move out of the way for a moment... alas, courtesy is not so common anymore.
  • SerenaFisher
    SerenaFisher Posts: 2,170 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?

    If they don't have the right of way, stupid as *kitten*; however, Pedestrians do have the right of way in a crosswalk when the street they're crossing has a red light and said crosswalk has the white "walk" sign. Which, incidentally, I DID have that experience yesterday- even though I had pushed the button, waited for the light to change AND I waited for the first couple cars to go (because they clearly weren't going to wait for me) when it seemed clear, I started to go, and this dumb b*tch accelerated to get around me. I wish I'd had something heavy to throw her way.

    And to the other poster about ppl walking the crosswalk slowly- I KNOW!!! Especially when they don't actually have the right of way! Just go damn it, and get out of my way! lol
    Actually even with a cross walk I find it stupid. I mean litter ally pushing baby stroller out in traffic. Just because you have the "right of way" doesn't mean a vehicle can stop on a dime. I have two kids and have never assumed just because its a cross walk the cars are going to magically stop if I pushy infant in front of them (or any age child). That's my biggest pet peeve. Wait for the cars to stop then throw your child in traffic thank you.
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?

    If they don't have the right of way, stupid as *kitten*; however, Pedestrians do have the right of way in a crosswalk when the street they're crossing has a red light and said crosswalk has the white "walk" sign. Which, incidentally, I DID have that experience yesterday- even though I had pushed the button, waited for the light to change AND I waited for the first couple cars to go (because they clearly weren't going to wait for me) when it seemed clear, I started to go, and this dumb b*tch accelerated to get around me. I wish I'd had something heavy to throw her way.

    And to the other poster about ppl walking the crosswalk slowly- I KNOW!!! Especially when they don't actually have the right of way! Just go damn it, and get out of my way! lol
    Actually even with a cross walk I find it stupid. I mean litter ally pushing baby stroller out in traffic. Just because you have the "right of way" doesn't mean a vehicle can stop on a dime. I have two kids and have never assumed just because its a cross walk the cars are going to magically stop if I pushy infant in front of them (or any age child). That's my biggest pet peeve. Wait for the cars to stop then throw your child in traffic thank you.

    "Throw" into traffic? Exaggerate much? It's state law that you are supposed to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, provided they aren't walking cross traffic (ie, crossing a road while traffic is moving.) I don't assume a car can stop on a dime, I assume drivers know the laws in the state which they're driving, and are paying attention. I'm 1/2 way across the road and said driver (who should have been paying attention) had plenty of time to *not* accelerate. Might I add, I was in the crosswalk first, I did not walk out into oncoming traffic. I think you distinctly mentioned your "peeve" being about pushing strollers out in front of moving vehicles... so, I'm not sure why you're getting sanctimonious and testy with me about it.

    Again, I'm not talking about crossing a road in which traffic has a green light. I'm talking about crossing a road which has a red light where traffic has stopped, and the vehicle at the cross street (T intersection) is making a right hand turn. Several cars making a right hand turn at an intersection which does not have the "no right on red" stipulation *can* wait a goddamn minute and obey the law, thank YOU very much.
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Hm, probably not a good idea to assume anyone in a vehicle these days is paying attention - lots of distracted driving going on! I've got a 45 minute commute and see some scary stuff just about every day. Texting, talking, reaching in the backseat to find something...seriously, it's nuts!

    IMHO, it's just a general lack of common courtesy in our society these days. I see the same sort of behavior all over the place. On the road, on sidewalks, on walking/biking paths, in the grocery store aisle. Most people are so absorbed in whatever is going on in their lives that they can't take the time to pay attention to what's going on around them.

    I had the opposite issue earlier this year. Two women with strollers walking side by side coming towards me. No problem, I figure the one on (their) left will move over when I get closer... But no, I had to actuaily come to a full stop and say excuse me so she wouldn't run me over. She apologized but I still shook my head at that one for a while. I know she saw me - how could she not!
  • mommy3457
    mommy3457 Posts: 361 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?

    If they don't have the right of way, stupid as *kitten*; however, Pedestrians do have the right of way in a crosswalk when the street they're crossing has a red light and said crosswalk has the white "walk" sign. Which, incidentally, I DID have that experience yesterday- even though I had pushed the button, waited for the light to change AND I waited for the first couple cars to go (because they clearly weren't going to wait for me) when it seemed clear, I started to go, and this dumb b*tch accelerated to get around me. I wish I'd had something heavy to throw her way.

    And to the other poster about ppl walking the crosswalk slowly- I KNOW!!! Especially when they don't actually have the right of way! Just go damn it, and get out of my way! lol
    Actually even with a cross walk I find it stupid. I mean litter ally pushing baby stroller out in traffic. Just because you have the "right of way" doesn't mean a vehicle can stop on a dime. I have two kids and have never assumed just because its a cross walk the cars are going to magically stop if I pushy infant in front of them (or any age child). That's my biggest pet peeve. Wait for the cars to stop then throw your child in traffic thank you.

    "Throw" into traffic? Exaggerate much? It's state law that you are supposed to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, provided they aren't walking cross traffic (ie, crossing a road while traffic is moving.) I don't assume a car can stop on a dime, I assume drivers know the laws in the state which they're driving, and are paying attention. I'm 1/2 way across the road and said driver (who should have been paying attention) had plenty of time to *not* accelerate. Might I add, I was in the crosswalk first, I did not walk out into oncoming traffic. I think you distinctly mentioned your "peeve" being about pushing strollers out in front of moving vehicles... so, I'm not sure why you're getting sanctimonious and testy with me about it.

    Again, I'm not talking about crossing a road in which traffic has a green light. I'm talking about crossing a road which has a red light where traffic has stopped, and the vehicle at the cross street (T intersection) is making a right hand turn. Several cars making a right hand turn at an intersection which does not have the "no right on red" stipulation *can* wait a goddamn minute and obey the law, thank YOU very much.

    Honestly, most drivers don't know the laws and drive poorly. So, it is better to assume they don't know what they are doing because most likely they do not lol.
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    Hm, probably not a good idea to assume anyone in a vehicle these days is paying attention - lots of distracted driving going on! I've got a 45 minute commute and see some scary stuff just about every day. Texting, talking, reaching in the backseat to find something...seriously, it's nuts!

    IMHO, it's just a general lack of common courtesy in our society these days. I see the same sort of behavior all over the place. On the road, on sidewalks, on walking/biking paths, in the grocery store aisle. Most people are so absorbed in whatever is going on in their lives that they can't take the time to pay attention to what's going on around them.

    I had the opposite issue earlier this year. Two women with strollers walking side by side coming towards me. No problem, I figure the one on (their) left will move over when I get closer... But no, I had to actuaily come to a full stop and say excuse me so she wouldn't run me over. She apologized but I still shook my head at that one for a while. I know she saw me - how could she not!

    I know... I agree, most people just aren't paying attention to the goings on around them; it's extremely frustrating. I often make the mistake of assuming people are like me and practicing due diligence with respect to the world around them... I think it's human nature to assume others are like us, even though logic and experience often tells us otherwise.
  • SerenaFisher
    SerenaFisher Posts: 2,170 Member
    What about the moms that push their strollers out in front of a moving vehicle (cross walk or not), how impressive are they?

    If they don't have the right of way, stupid as *kitten*; however, Pedestrians do have the right of way in a crosswalk when the street they're crossing has a red light and said crosswalk has the white "walk" sign. Which, incidentally, I DID have that experience yesterday- even though I had pushed the button, waited for the light to change AND I waited for the first couple cars to go (because they clearly weren't going to wait for me) when it seemed clear, I started to go, and this dumb b*tch accelerated to get around me. I wish I'd had something heavy to throw her way.

    And to the other poster about ppl walking the crosswalk slowly- I KNOW!!! Especially when they don't actually have the right of way! Just go damn it, and get out of my way! lol
    Actually even with a cross walk I find it stupid. I mean litter ally pushing baby stroller out in traffic. Just because you have the "right of way" doesn't mean a vehicle can stop on a dime. I have two kids and have never assumed just because its a cross walk the cars are going to magically stop if I pushy infant in front of them (or any age child). That's my biggest pet peeve. Wait for the cars to stop then throw your child in traffic thank you.

    "Throw" into traffic? Exaggerate much? It's state law that you are supposed to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, provided they aren't walking cross traffic (ie, crossing a road while traffic is moving.) I don't assume a car can stop on a dime, I assume drivers know the laws in the state which they're driving, and are paying attention. I'm 1/2 way across the road and said driver (who should have been paying attention) had plenty of time to *not* accelerate. Might I add, I was in the crosswalk first, I did not walk out into oncoming traffic. I think you distinctly mentioned your "peeve" being about pushing strollers out in front of moving vehicles... so, I'm not sure why you're getting sanctimonious and testy with me about it.

    Again, I'm not talking about crossing a road in which traffic has a green light. I'm talking about crossing a road which has a red light where traffic has stopped, and the vehicle at the cross street (T intersection) is making a right hand turn. Several cars making a right hand turn at an intersection which does not have the "no right on red" stipulation *can* wait a goddamn minute and obey the law, thank YOU very much.
    I like to exaggerate my point, essentially you are the care taker of your child and before you put their life at risk you should be certain vehicles are stopped. You yourself said you meant a red light, and I doubt any mother wants to seem like that woman we've all seen that doesn't even looks and just assumes because they have the right away cars (as I said before!) Magically stop.

    Guess what your right of way and baby carriage isn't going to stop a 3000 lb vehicle fr running you over because they saw you to late and couldn't stop in time. Though I pay very good attention and am astounded by women that assume 3000lb (maybe more) vehicles going 30mph can stop in 2' distance for their baby carriage and again I cannot stress enough right away or not if that car cannot stop in time or doesn't see you your child is dead.

    Taking into consideration how others drive (cell phones, changing music, doing make up, maybe eating, dropping something) frankly I will be sure vehicles are stopped before my baby is in front of 3000lb object.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    I honestly hope you arent running over people with your stroller. I had some rude b1tch once run over my foot when I had a bad knee and couldnt move very fast with her stupid stroller...and this was at Disney Land!

    From that day forward I dont have much patience for strollers. My favorite is crowded stores when the kid is walking and the whole thing is just loaded with junk.
  • ldrosophila
    ldrosophila Posts: 7,512 Member
    It drives me bonkers when people cross the crosswalks going sooooo slow. Speed walk! Knees to your chest!

    Really? I hope you never have a hurt foot or get to be an old lady and someone's cursing you in the crosswalk for walking slow.
  • hbrittingham
    hbrittingham Posts: 2,518 Member
    I've given up on assuming that cars will stop at intersection and crosswalks for pedestrians. Everyone is in such a hurry nowdays and wherever they are going is more important to them than my life, so I have to assume that they plan on running me over.

    I walk my dogs at a local park with greenway trails. Half of the path belongs to me and my dogs and anyone else moving in the same direction I am, the other half belongs to the people coming towards me, runners, walkers and bicyclists. I have had many a time when two women pushing strollers or a large family group has walked towards me, taking up the entire pathway and then bumped into or stepped on my dogs. So now I put them on my right side when a group is coming like that so I am walking on their outside and then I refuse to move. I generally look them right in the eyes and keep walking. I have yet to have anyone step on me or bump into me, though they would feel perfectly fine doing that to my dogs.
  • nicola1141
    nicola1141 Posts: 613 Member
    Yes, yes, yes and yes again. Move to the right people!

    That goes for escalators too - stand left, walk right. Don't hang out, standing on the right side of the escalators blocking everybody who wants to actually move.

    Grr, vent over.