Imagine this: You’re walking home from class on a beautiful spring day in State College. The old main bell is ringing, the squirrels are playing and you’re in a better mood than most days. But all of a sudden, your pace comes to a halt. Alas, it’s a group of three friends walking in front of you, practically in slow motion, side by side. There’s no space to walk beside them, and you have no escape. You are forced to walk behind them for another two minutes. You have nowhere to be, but it doesn’t matter. You’re irritated.
VALLEY has had enough of poorly mannered sidewalk users. We’re tired of unspoken rules and the painfully unaware strollers. Because of this, we’ve compiled a list of five sacred rules for the sidewalk goers of State College.
Stick To A Side
The first rule of thumb is to at least stick to a side, and in most instances, your right side. Like driving a car, you don’t drive in the middle of the road, let alone into opposing traffic. The same rule applies to sidewalks. Be aware of the directional flow of pedestrians, and you’re golden.
Bikes Belong On The Road
According to Penn State’s SY16 Regulations for Bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices, “bicycles shall not be ridden on sidewalks along university-owned roads within the campus proper, bounded by Atherton Street, Park Avenue, College Avenue, and University Drive.” Needless to say — follow this rule. There is no reason our lives should flash before our eyes when being passed by a bicycle going 40 mph outside the HUB. If a cycler is near a walker crossing the road — use your bell! Your voice! Anything to avoid a painful and embarrassing collision. Just stick to the streets, please.
Line Up Or Speed Up
As we said before, be courteous to the people behind you. If you’re walking with four of your close friends towards the HUB lawn to play spike ball and taking up the entire sidewalk with no room to pass — it’s irritating. Chances are, you all need to walk faster. We’re glad you’re laughing and “smelling the roses” together, but either leave space beside your group or walk faster.
Follow The Flow of Traffic
If you’re walking to class and notice you’re constantly getting passed by others, that should tell you something. If you physically cannot move faster, we genuinely understand. If you can, please self-reflect. I doubt everyone passing you is moving at lightning speed, so you’re probably just slow.
Pass With A Purpose
One of our biggest pet peeves is when someone passes you on the sidewalk, gets in front of you, and then walks at the same exact pace or, even worse, slower. It’s a hypocritical move on their end, with no benefit whatsoever. If you’re going to pass, pass with a purpose.
Is there anything we missed? Let us know @VALLEYMag on Instagram.
