this post was submitted on 16 May 2025
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I reside in a nation where driving is done on the right side of the street. I've noticed that, for the most part (unless distracted by their phones, are intentionally flexing, or just being inconsiderate), most folks from a similar background, also seem to tend to walk on the right side of two-way paths, sidewalks, etc, and tend to "dodge" or veer right when encountering oncoming fellow pedestrians.

Is the reverse the trend for pedestrians in regions where folks drive on the left side of streets (UK, Japan, India, Australia, etc)?

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[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 days ago

US you walk on the right side of the pathway, walk way, etc

Unless you're walking on the street itself (no sidewalk) then you walk on the left against the flow of traffic. So you can see cars coming.

Note: as with anything there are exceptions and people that don't follow the guidelines.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 days ago

Walk against the traffic, bike with the traffic.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 days ago (1 children)

In Australia, there is a strong presumption towards keeping left as a pedestrian (and overtaking on the right - e.g. etiquette on escalators is to keep left, but if you are walking up the escalator, overtake to the right).

In some particularly busy places (especially on shared footpath / bike lane zones) there are even arrows on the pavement to ensure tourists know what side to keep to.

There are always a few people (probably tourists) who don't follow the local etiquette.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Important to note Australians drive on the left. So this matches what OP observes.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 days ago

Well, not Australians, but people in Australia

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

There is a tendency to walk on the left in Japan as well. I wouldn't call it a rule but a vibe. For a society that is rigidly built on rules and conventions, they are remarkably flexible when it comes to tolerating people who swim against the stream. Not wanting to cause a fuss overrides a New Yorker outburst of the "Hey, I'm walking here!" variety. IMO they also insist less on the right of way or other car traffic rules when behind the wheel.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I can’t understand why people in Kansai stand on the right of escalators

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

Because they are a rebellious bunch. But it doesn't matter because in one belief the whole country seems united. And that is to ignore all the pleas of train operators to stand on both sides of the escalators to prevent long lines and crowding on the platforms. We're having none of that sensible crap.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

I always assumed we follow school/driving rules, always stay on the right. I live in Toronto and I've noticed the sidewalks and bike lanes just devolve into a free-for-all. Or when a group of 5 all take up the entire sidewalk and theres no where for anyone to go.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

My state has a law that you are to walk on the left side of the road. Check whatever level of laws you under?

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

If you are walking at the edge of the roadway (not on a sidewalk separate from the road) you should be walking on the left, against traffic, so you can see oncoming traffic on your side as you go.

If you are approaching another pedestrian who is walking towards you, each pedestrian should walk to the right of the other while passing.

Reverse all sides for countries that drive on the left.

[–] [email protected] -1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

The older I get the less sense this makes. I cannot dodge a car, and the roads I'm on have a narrow shoulder such that I cannot move off. As such seeing the car doesn't' help me at all. Worse if there is an on comming car someone has to stop because there is not room, at least if I'm going the same way as cars they can slow down to a walking speed (granted they probably won't, but...)

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That’s more a problem with the road you speak of being very pedestrian unfriendly.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 4 days ago

That is most of them saddly

[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) (1 children)

Growing up in Norway, where roads are narrow, days are short, and snow piles up above a second grader's head, we were taught to use sidewalks, when they are available, or walk on the left (we drive on the right). I think it's supposed to make it easier to see oncoming traffic and get out of the way.

More importantly, though, was to wear reflective clothing. As a driver: please for the love of God don't go running in a black track suit along a dark country road early in the morning. You're not a fucking ninja. Wear something reflective.

Edit: I looked it up and it's actually in the law.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago

Same in Germany. It is only mandatory to walk on the left when outside of cities though. I have noticed people from cities not knowing this rule or why it makes sense to use the opposite side of motor traffic.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 4 days ago

I walk wherever seems the safest. If it's just me I'll walk in the middle so I can dodge either direction should I need to. If passing someone who's coming towards me I gauge direction based on the variables such as a dog or multiple people or whatever. Sometimes it's better to stand aside and let them pass. Sometimes is better to just detour into the grass momentarily. It all depends.

If I am with someone I tend to stand between them and whatever the most dangerous thing might be. So usually towards the street with the cars, but I will swap sides if the other side has groups of people that are the more immediate potential threat.

At the end of the day I walk faster than most and I am bigger than most so I just walk wherever and try to avoid collision pathing.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago)

Right side roads here, tend to follow the same pattern on sidewalks and hallways for consistency and that seems to work out for everyone.

When walking on a road itself, walk into traffic (left side) so you can see if you need to move out of the way. Bikes go the same direction because they are grouped in with vehicles.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 4 days ago (2 children)

No such rules in the UK. It’s everyone for themselves on whichever side they feel like.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

I have the opposite experience, went to London a while ago and kept noticing most people keep left instead of right like I'm used to.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 days ago

That’s London. They have their own rules.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

Standing on the right, leaving the left open for overtakers seems to be the rule on the underground and generally in the UK, which is weird given we drive on the left.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 days ago

I think there’s people on the London Underground who will grumble and tut if you stand on the wrong side, but I can’t remember as I haven’t been there in years.

[–] [email protected] 33 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I think the general rule (that also applies on one-way streets, etc.) is that the pedestrian lane closest to traffic should face in the direction of oncoming traffic, so cars aren’t approaching from their blind spot.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 days ago

This is the rule I've tried to follow. Exceptions for vulnerable people. When I'm pushing the pram though I'm getting the inside lane.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 4 days ago

Yes. This is the rule ive always followed and heard too.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 days ago

Yes, I generally walk on the left and my wife has to remind me sometimes that I am not living in a prison island anymore.