Walking the Concrete Jungle

As New York Fashion Week descends upon us, our great city will be inundated by fashionistas from around the globe, adding to the already steady stream of tourists filling the sidewalks every day. As I think of all the added foot traffic, I’m reminded of a topic that I joked about when I first moved to NYC.

How To Walk the Streets of New York (or any heavily populated area). I started making a list of all the inconsiderate actions of those around us (or just plain stupid for that matter). People really don’t think beyond themselves on the streets here. Have you seen the sidewalks in New York? They’re as large as country roads in places, yet they’re often crowded and you’re forced to walk at the pace of those in front of you. In general, it’s pretty slow. I will say that some of the worst offenders are some of the local residents, but when you pile on out-of-towners, it just gets messier. Common sense and consideration should prevail in heavily populated areas but so many people think they are the exception. Here’s a clue: you’re not!

Children
I love kids. They’re fascinating little people but unfortunately, they often are left at the mercy of their parents or nannies (with questionable intelligence). I have a few issues about the little guys on the streets though. If you’re in Times Square with hundreds upon hundreds of busy people trying to move about, why do some people think that it’s the perfect spot for 2 year old Johnny or Sally to walk for themselves? Are you crazy? This isn’t just an annoyance for those trying to navigate the concrete jungle, but it almost seems like child endangerment. They are gonna get crushed in the twinkling of an eye–scary! What’s worse is that those kids are usually the ones more prone to temper tantrums. Yeah…real smart to stop in the middle of a busy sidewalk to talk to your kid. Has it occurred to you to step to the side? Better yet, has it occurred to you to be a good parent and teach the little one that’s unacceptable behavior before getting on the streets? The stroller set isn’t much better. The double side by side strollers are the worst. Why do you need to take up so much room on the sidewalk, then move at a snail’s pace? People have things to do here–one of the reasons for choosing to live in such a huge metropolis. Get out of the way. Why aren’t you pushing a 2-seater that is faced front to back instead of side by side? What gives you more of a right to crowded space than anyone else? Better yet is having two nannies with side by side strollers who have to walk side by side. Do you have a permit for blocking off the sidewalk?

Pets
I love pets too. However, just because you’ve put something on a leash doesn’t entitle you to be inconsiderate. Unless it’s the first time you’ve walked down a particular street, you pretty much know exactly where your little one is gonna lift his leg. It’s always the same spots; it’s not difficult to figure out. So if you know Spot is gonna be stopping at the fire hydrant, why are you standing in the middle of the sidewalk or even on the opposite side? Why do other people have to step over your leash or worry about your dog? Shouldn’t that be your concern and not ours? After all, if I wanted to worry about a dog I’d get one. If your pet is a biter, muzzle it. If it makes a mess, clean it up.

Tourists
I know you don’t live here and can’t understand our impatience, but when you’re walking close behind dozens of people, there should be a few common sense principals dictating your actions. One, stopping in the middle of a crowded sidewalk without warning is gonna get you rolled over. What did you think was gonna happen? Save that dirty look for yourself because it’s your fault. Are you lost perhaps or lose track of which block you’re on? I know you really need that picture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, but find the right spot to stop and focus. It’s really easy to step next to a building or near the curb to get out of the way. In fact, you’ll probably get a better view of the street signs or places of interest. Worse yet is the person that thinks the best course of action is to not only stop, but turn around and immediately walk into you. There are people passing you on both sides–did you really think that no one could possibly be stuck behind you? It’s usually the tourist that travels in a huge group too. Guess what? All 20 of you don’t need to stand shoulder to shoulder while walking. This isn’t a game of Red Rover. No one should have to run through you and practically get “clotheslined” when you can file together in a more dense pack. You’re not less popular than the people in front if you’re bringing up the rear. Judging by the slow pace, it’s obviously not a race either. Don’t be a hog!

Cyclists
I have little to say to you. You’re more than likely a local, so you should know that riding your bicycle on the sidewalk is against the law. No ifs, ands or buts. If you can’t stick to the streets, then maybe cycling in the city isn’t for you.

Smokers
I have little to say to you too. Pollute your lungs all you want, but it can wait til you get out of the most heavily populated areas, can’t it? When surrounded on all sides by other people, the least you can do is step to the curb. If you want others to respect your preference to smoke, then you should respect their preference for not wanting it in their face.

Handicapped
My statements aren’t about them, but rather about how to treat them. YOU are not more important than a handicapped person. It really angers me to see a blind person walking down the street and people not giving them the space they deserve. It’s not gonna kill you to make room for someone who NEEDS it. What if you were in their shoes? It’s called empathy; you should try it.

General
One of the first things I was taught as a child was that before crossing the street you should look both ways. Why do people walk straight out the door of a shop or restaurant and think no one could possibly be on the sidewalk already? Why does it not occur to them to look left and right as they walk through the door? It’s not hard to do, I promise. Or, your group of 20 just finished dinner. The entire group doesn’t need to block the entire sidewalk to discuss the next option. Can’t you discuss it before you leave the table? Maybe you can’t, but do you need to occupy every square inch of the sidewalk out front? No. You don’t. Please step aside and leave room for others to walk.

A little common sense and consideration go a long way. More than anything, you should be aware of your surroundings. I don’t think it’s too much to ask in a city of over 8 million residents. I’m puzzled as to why these things are hard. I grew up in the country and yet I understand these concepts easily. Can’t you take a second to stop to think? Please do so, and while you’re at it, make sure it’s not in the middle of the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue in front of H&M on the weekend. You’ll be in the way.