Unspoken rules for getting 'round above ground
Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 10:09 AM
This month we've been looking at the unspoken rules of etiquette that, if followed, would make commuting in NYC smoother, less harried and more pleasant.
In our last segment, New York subway riders spoke out about what drives them crazy about traveling underground. Our listeners had plenty to say about 'ground' rules too. Here it is in a nutshell:
Pay attention, no sudden moves and be consistent with the rules.
A congested Times Square is the perfect place to apply the unspoken rules of getting round on the ground. Photo credit: Nicholas Whitaker (nickdigital on Flickr)
PEDESTRIANS
• Walk in a straight line at constant speed and don't stop and change directions without looking where you're going.
• Crossing the street? Look BOTH ways.
• Sidewalks are exactly that – side WALKS. No skaters, scooters, boards or bikes.
• Keep to the right on sidewalks –the cardinal rule for the pedestrian highways.
• Don't use your pram as a battering ram!
• Texting and walking do not mix!
• A case of the deadly dawdlers– let others pass! That goes especially for shutterbugs, out-of-towners and 4-abreast-ers.
• Don't buy the shoes if you can’t walk in them.
• Spitters – if you must hawk it up in public, the very least you can do is look before you hurl.
• Point umbrellas towards the ground. And look around you before shaking off the raindrops.
• Granny Carts at the Farmers Market should only are excused if you are buying a whole hog, otherwise keep the hazards at home.
• While you're waiting for the bus, get your Metrocard or coins ready. And remember your school days? Head to the back of the bus!
CYCLISTS
• Go with the flow of traffic.
• One-way streets apply to you too, people.
• No biking on the running track.
• Bikers, use your bells.
• No running lights.
DRIVERS
• YIELD when turning
• When it’s raining….turning drivers let pedestrians cross the street at the corner. They are wet and miserable. You are dry and comfortable.
• Look around before you open the car door. Taxi passengers, use exit closest to sidewalk.
• Double-parking is just plain dastardly.
• Pull over taxis when letting out and picking up passengers. And don’t pick up your passengers in the intersection or block the crosswalk.
• Side street parking does not require 3 feet on either side. Please pull up.
IT’S ALWAYS NICE TO SAY THANK YOU
Here are some positive listener comments:
“What I like is when parents acknowledge that their kids get in the way when they run around on the sidewalk. a knowing smile or a quiet 'sorry' is a nice gesture. kids are unaware of being in the way... some sort of small apology goes a long way to diffuse the cranky New Yorker trying to get to work.”
“Thank people who give you the right away (even when it’s yours to begin with). A nod, a wave,
goes a long way”
“Use your bell to get pedestrians out the way, and maybe consider thanking them when they oblige.”
“In NYC we choreograph the streets and sidewalks rather well for a city with so many people, traffic and bustle. Yeah!!!!”
Comments [4]
Pedestrians:
Please, no reading text messages/e mails while walking and certainly do not compose text messages while walking. If you have to do the aforementioned, Please pull over. You're a nuisance and are a potential accident walking.
Also, please remember, there are potentially 8 million others who may want to share a side walk with you. Unless you can produce a title to the sidewalk you must share it. Be considerate.
Bicyclists (I'm one, and an avid rider at that):
Use hand signals when turning right/left
Don't take unnecessary risks
If you're over 14 stay off the sidewalk (that's a law)
Announce yourself when coming up on another pedestrian/car/bicycle, especially if you're going to pass. Try saying "on your left/right" when passing, unless you see eyes in the back of the head of whoever you're passing.
If you ride a bike you should have a bell to alert others. If that doesn't work try a whistle.
Remember: if you're courteous you represent other bicyclists ina positive way, and you should expect same courtesy from others.
Bike Messengers:
Yes, we know you're always running against the clock; you're over worked and underpaid on top of having a dangerous job. Think about this though, is it worth getting that delivery three minutes faster if you put yours or someone elses safety/life in jeopardy?
Finally, this applies to everyone: we all think we can multi task to some degree. Some people can walk/talk on a cell phone at the same time. Some can/some can't. Know when to try and multi task in public, and don't when you can't and can't avoid hindering others progress. It's ok if you can't, so don't. I'm sure there's some other special skill you have that makes you unique that you can be proud of.
OUT OF CONTROL PEDICAB DRIVERS
-Driving on the side to avoid traffic backed up on west 35th Street
-Ignoring traffic lights and just missing pedestrians crossing the street
-Going the wrong way on a one way street
-Driving and or standing in bus only lanes
-Driving down bike lanes on Broadway
-Driving at night with no lights or having reflectors on their cab
For pedestrians: do not stop at the top or bottom of the stairs to look around and get your bearings. Others needs to pass through that space.
Like Karen, I HATE flying, but have to because I'm in a distance learning program that requires that I come out every semester.
Many times on my trips I've been so lucky to sit down next to chatty people who were happy to tell me their life stories (I'm completely serious-- all about their children-- their tragedies, EVERYTHING) for three hours. It's completely distracting and I've made it through thunderstorms, major turbulence, and other panic-attack provoking events because of them. Thanks strangers!
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