Walk on the left

Like the road discipline when we all drive we all walk on the left, and if you need a shop on the other side of the road cross. Means we don’t walk into each other clearly.

Why the contribution is important

Social distancing made a touch easier by everyone walking the same way.

by philipsg on May 06, 2020 at 09:31PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 32 votes

Comments

  • Posted by GillHain May 06, 2020 at 21:43

    Sensible and practicable without great cost.

  • Posted by BUTEMACS May 06, 2020 at 21:48

    Quite a simple but good idea , I would be up for that rule although wouldn't like to see it reducing people following the 2mtr policy.

  • Posted by AlexMD May 06, 2020 at 21:54

    Impractical.

  • Posted by Clunie May 06, 2020 at 22:02

    walking on the left seems a simple practical solution provided social distancing is still in place

  • Posted by timk May 06, 2020 at 22:15

    I've been promoting this as well although I'd suggest walking on the right pavement. If you walk on the right and need to overtake by stepping into the road, you face traffic so its safer.

    I think this simple guidance could really help keep distancing on pavements.

  • Posted by Catsmother May 06, 2020 at 22:28

    I like this idea but it is impossible to enforce. What might be more helpful is issuing something, a short TV advert perhaps, showing what is good practice when passing others. Amazing the amount of group walkers who don't move into single file or families who have children ranging ahead on bikes and scooters. Hikers call it trail etiquette.

  • Posted by OldDeuteronomy May 06, 2020 at 23:24

    This should be a permanent rule - not one just for Covid - and would ease congestion and the dodgem strategy on very many of our bigger city pavements.

  • Posted by Munro May 06, 2020 at 23:36

    I have been walking on the left hand side also . I would like the FM to state that people should walk in single file when they pass people coming in the opposite direction as many families, couples etc don’ t seem to think they need to do this .

  • Posted by JohnHarvey May 07, 2020 at 05:59

    As stated in the highway code, "when walking on unpaved road always walk towards oncoming traffic" ergo walk on right hand side pavement as you are able to see vehicles travelling towards you thus a greater level of safety.
    Apart from that this is a simple & elegant idea that should be adhered to even after all restrictions are lifted.

  • Posted by Hgrady May 07, 2020 at 06:06

    I like this idea. Starting the message early will promote the rationale and safety message! It may seem a bit draconian but we have to get used to some new norms

  • Posted by Lindaoban May 07, 2020 at 09:01

    It works relatively well already on station/airport/mall escalators - although the general convention there is usually stand on the right, but I see no reason why this simple idea could not be introduced on pavements especially of these are widened.

  • Posted by Amybeckett May 07, 2020 at 12:55

    Absolutely!

  • Posted by Ro2 May 08, 2020 at 13:28

    Not an issue where I live, but I can see this being useful in cities where people cannot pass while maintaining distance except by stepping out onto busy carriageways.

  • Posted by AliK May 09, 2020 at 16:36

    As John Harvey highlights above, The Highway Code is clear. Walk on the Right facing oncoming vehicles. Important too on paths where bicycles can appear swiftly and unexpectedly.

  • Posted by LisaB May 11, 2020 at 21:49

    Yes! I've thought this several times while out for a walk. Great idea!
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas

Idea topics