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Walking Etiquette: Are We All Playing "Sidewalk Chicken"?


By

Jen Carlson

Published Apr 16, 2012

Modified Apr 16, 2012


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By

Jen Carlson

Published Apr 16, 2012

Modified Apr 16, 2012


Share

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Photo via Mattron's flickr

A new New Yorker, recently relocated from a small Texas town, is wondering about the walking habits of locals. This person posted on Reddit, asking, "I seem to have these instances... there will be 2-3 people walking side by side, taking up the entire width of the sidewalk. We'll be walking towards each other and, without fail, they won't 'shrink' to make room for anyone to pass. Is this a 'chicken' kind of thing? First person to move loses?"

We've talked about all kinds of urban etiquette in the past, and often sidewalk use comes up, but only in regards to texting zombies and slow tourists... so this is an interesting question. Are you guys playing "chicken" on the sidewalks out there, or are you just totally oblivious to everyone else on the sidewalk?

With National Etiquette Week coming up next month, tell us what tips you think New Yorkers need to be reminded of the most, and we'll put together a new guide.

Tagged

etiquette

poll

sidewalk

sidewalk chicken

walking


Jen Carlson

Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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