Human beings, being the animals that we are, tend to be territorial. Unlike many animals, we don’t mark our space so much as we simply occupy it. This is fine when we are residing in our homes or playing in our yards. But when out in public, some of us need a gentle reminder that communal space is to be shared, not hogged.
Sidewalks provide a fine example. Sidewalks generally have just enough space for two people to comfortably pass each other. So when two people walking abreast come upon a person walking toward them, common courtesy dictates that they fall into single file so the other person can pass. But so often these days, the territorial instinct apparently kicks in and pairs of people, or gaggles of them, won’t acknowledge the person coming toward them, let alone move to give them room. It’s left up to the lone walker to blink first and step off the sidewalk, or onto the grass or into someone’s driveway.
Perhaps it’s just rude cluelessness, but sometimes it really does appear to be a controlling power trip. Like the person going exactly 60 mph in the left lane, puttering past the “Stay right to except to pass” sign. Of course it is territoriality that spurs most road rage incidents. People feel boxed in, “their” space invaded.
So before sidewalk bullies and mild-mannered pedestrians erupt into sidewalk rage incidents, let’s try to share. But not with bikes, skateboards or scooters. They don’t belong on the sidewalk. Strollers do belong, but again: single file, please, when someone is approaching.
Runners also belong on sidewalks. Groups of runners, however, say a group of high school boys, can be gang-like and intimidating, running around walkers and in front of cars. Stop it. As rigid and uncreative as the single file rule is, gosh, it is considerate.
On a slightly related, neighborly note, it’s probably being too persnickety to hope runners could give a smile or a wave between the grimaces from time to time.
We know we’re being really pie-in-the-sky now, but dang it, spit doesn’t belong on the sidewalk either. This particularly disgusting habit crosses all groups and generations, phlegmatic equal-opportunity offenders all, from wanna-be gangstas to grandpas. If they won’t make room for you on the sidewalk, they probably won’t aim for the grass either. Like those who refuse to pick up after their dog, one can only hopes these folks will step in a mess left by a similar slob, karmic poop catching up with them eventually and thoroughly.
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