Rant: Why are so many people walking on the WRONG side of the road?

[Redneck in training]

In the country I am originally from we were taught to drive as close to the center line as possible so you wouldn't hit anybody like cyclists without lights or drunks at night. I still do it. Primary reason is that there are many "beautiful" tree lined roads. The problem is they were initially used for horse carriages, then graveled in early days of automobile and even later paved. The roads are narrow and have no shoulder to speak of. The trees are mere inches from the pavement.
We were also taught, since childhood, to walk on the left side of the road to see incoming cars. So you could duck behind a tree and let the idiot driver wrap his car around it.

I can't find better picture: Oak Tree Lined Road Along Lake In Artificial Lake System At Trebon Stock Photo, Royalty Free Image: 673211 - Alamy
Street Flanked By Trees Prague Czech Republic Stock Photo, Royalty Free Image: 17876916 - Alamy

 

[oosik]

The paved county road that goes by my driveway has ABSOLUTELY no shoulders. Its very seldom that I will see anybody walking on this road - its just too far out of town. Most anybody walking the road will be in the ditch when you pass them. They know that few will be going the posted 45mph. Out this way the leaping deer are a much bigger concern than any "road walkers". And, yes, I was taught to walk on the left side facing the traffic.

 

[Gem99ultra]

When (if) I have to walk on the road, I walk on the left side facing traffic. I just don't like the idea of some joker flying down a two-lane highway at 75 mph with side mirrors sticking out 2 feet, that will simply knock my head clean off.

What bothers me is those idiots that feel they have to jog IN the street when there are sidewalks in place. Or those that jog down the medians; there surely is a reason for that, other than simply wanting to be admired?

And, although I am an avid bicycle rider, I detest those riders that feel so superior that they feel justified in riding in the middle of traffic lanes, impeding the flow of traffic. It seems that most bike riders feel exempt from traffic laws. Bike lanes on every road would be nice, but that just isn't going to happen. I don't know what the answer is, but the conflict of a 4 ton pickup contested with a 40 pound bicycle is not a good scenario.

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Out "here" in the country I don't see the problem, people walk where they want and it's not a problem at all, not sure what you city folks are doing... lol

SR

 

[polo1665]

Hitchhiking whilst walking against traffic may prove troublesome. The old one step forward, two steps back scenario.

 

[Garandman]

Out "here" in the country I don't see the problem, people walk where they want and it's not a problem at all, not sure what you city folks are doing... lol

Where the roads are relatively straight and flat, no doubt.

Coming down this road in the rain on a motorcycle, I was met by a logging truck that left just enough room for the bike - in my lane. And there are guard rails on the outside so no place to bail.

 

[rekees4300]

As a child I was always taught to walk on the left side of the road here in the USA as drivers drive on the right side of the roadway.

Ditto ... I think about this everyday while walking the dogs on the left side. Don't know if it's the law or not but never heard of anyone being arrested for walking on the right side of the road. :confused3:

 

[coobie]

Until you hit some dark clothed idiot when it's dark and they are on the wrong side of the road.


The title has RANT in it. It's a good venting thread.


Or maybe get killed, I suppose you would find it even funnier.

I agree w/ "Rantin' from Branson". Pedestrians can be idiots. I'm in a small development with a prime road going through it which makes a nice quiet 3 mile exercise loop with a 25 mph speed limit. ALL the streets have nice, moderately new, sidewalks.

What get's my ire up here are several things - first the "ladies" (usually middle age or older) out in their "exercise wear" walking side-by-side in the street, often 3 abreast on a street that nominally has parking on each side and 2 very narrow lanes down the middle. Barely room to get around them.

Second - those in black clothing walking at night, in the road not on the sidewalk.

It will suck up a great part of my life if I hit someone with my dually while I'm going through the neighborhood. Fegardless of the damage done to them.

Yes funnier,gets rid of the dumb ones.

 

[Redneck in training]

Problem in the US is not enough cyclists on the roads at any time day. So drivers are not expecting them. I Europe especially in poorer countries you have to expect cyclists anywhere at any instant. Everyone knows that.

 

[drizler]

Problem in the US is not enough cyclists on the roads at any time day. So drivers are not expecting them. I Europe especially in poorer countries you have to expect cyclists anywhere at any instant. Everyone knows that.

Trouble is that in Europe they drive those damned bicycles where they are supposed to. They obey all the traffic laws too, all of them. They also know full well they probably won't last a month if they drive those things stupidly. Now come over here and watch bicycles. They wander all over the place often riding 2 abreast. Somehow few seem to get clobbered but they sure just do as they please for the most part. The surprising part is that the prime offenders aren't kids, rather it's the yuppy tourist types who think they own the road and have right of way over anything. Same thing goes for cross walks. They walk right out there without removing their head from their backside (where they view their smart phone). The idiots are like a flock of sheep the way they never even look. I guess the possibility of Tort laws impress them more than the laws of physics. Then there are the one who push the Darwin limit.......chasing Poki mon, now that is truly priceless:confused2: