Sidewalks are a key part of the infrastructure in most cities and towns. They provide a safe space for pedestrians to walk along roads and navigate urban environments. One unwritten rule of sidewalk etiquette that most people abide by is walking on the right side. This allows for the smooth flow of foot traffic in both directions. But why did society settle on the right side as the standard? The reasons behind this norm have roots in history, culture, traffic patterns, and human psychology.
Historical Origins
The convention of walking on the right side of the road has its origins in ancient history. Back in the Roman Empire, Roman soldiers and chariots would march on the left side of roads. This freed up their right arms to wield weapons and engage in combat if needed. With the right side clear, civilians would walk on the right. The Romans also drove wagons with the driver sitting on the left rear horse so that their whip hand was free. This further reinforced keeping right. These old traffic customs ended up shaping modern practices. As vehicles became popularized in the 18th century, many places codified into law keeping right for consistent side of the road travel. Walking on the right carried over to sidewalks in many parts of the world as well. Places that drive on the left today, like Britain, tend to walk on the left.
Cultural Influences
Cultural norms and values also shape why we pass each other on the right. Many cultures view the right side as positive, strong, or clean. The Latin word for left is “sinistra,” which is where the English word sinister derives from. In contrast, “dexter” means right and is linked to dexterity and adroitness. Religion has reinforced the preeminence of the right side in many societies. In Christianity, Jesus sits at the Right Hand of God. Islam also favors the right – Muhammad said the angels of mercy are on the right while judgement awaits on the left. Asian traditions such as Confucianism and Taoism link the left with evil and death. This cultural symbolism translates into a preference for keeping right.
Traffic Flow
From a practical standpoint, walking on the right also matches overall traffic flow in nations that drive on the right. For example, in the US, vehicles stay to the right. Having pedestrians also follow this pattern means they face oncoming cars, bicycles, and other sidewalk users. This allows pedestrians to easily avoid veering vehicles or handle sudden conflicts. Countries like Japan that drive on the left walk on the left for the same reason. Maintaining this consistency between road and sidewalk traffic is sensible and safe.
Ergonomics and Human Factors
Interestingly, studies show a natural preference to pass on the right that may be rooted in our biology. Researchers have observed that when two people are approaching each other with no barriers, they will drift toward the right. This tendency is stronger in right-handed people but still present in lefties. Scientists think this instinct arises from our innate avoidance of head-on collisions and desire to protect our vital organs. Passing on the right allows people to keep their hearts further away from each other. Researchers also speculate there may be a preference for keeping our dominant hands closer to passing strangers. This subconscious orientation likely translated into how sidewalk standards evolved.
The Right is Just Right
In many tourist areas, walking on the right is not always the norm. With diverse groups of foreign visitors, sidewalk traffic etiquette can get muddled. However, people naturally get annoyed when blocked by meandering tourists or slow walkers obstructing their way. This reveals the inherent expectation to keep right that takes hold even in the absence of formal rules. Our instincts for organization and flow underlie why walking on the right just feels right. People walking every which way chafe against some deep human desire for order.
Exceptions to the Rule
While keeping right is the predominant norm, there are exceptions in certain locations and contexts. For example, in some dense urban areas, pedestrian volumes are so high that strict side rules become ineffective. Foot traffic ends up organically flowing in both directions on each side out of necessity. Parents holding hands with children also may naturally drift left at times for protection. And in many Asian cities, walking on the left persists in busy shopping districts since stores put their entrances on that side. So while right is the default, local customs and conditions create deviations.
Etiquette for Passing
When walking on busy sidewalks, there are other unwritten rules of etiquette as well. If you are slower, keep right and let others pass freely. Be aware of your surroundings and step aside if you suddenly stop. Pass with care and avoid abrupt zig-zagging. Follow any marked designated lanes if present. Alert others before overtaking them from behind. Say “excuse me” if unable to maintain distance. And be extra courteous in crowds, recognizing personal space. Keeping these tips in mind helps make sidewalks safe and navigable for all.
Why It Matters
At first glance, what side we pass on seems trivial. But this simple convention in fact has deep social implications. Our implicit agreement on the right allows crowds of strangers to flow smoothly together through public spaces. Without any discussion, we form an orderly system. This reveals the innate human capacity to collectively organize and cooperate. Sidewalk etiquette is a microcosm of the social contract at work. So the next time you walk on the right, recognize you are part of an ancient civic tradition.
Conclusion
The convention to walk on the right has roots across history, culture, urban design, and psychology. Our instinct for order and tendency to protect our right aligns passing on the right with natural human behavior. Keeping to the right also matches road traffic patterns in many countries for consistency and safety. And passing on the right may arise from an innate desire to avoid collisions. Together, these factors explain the origin and persistence of this unwritten sidewalk rule in communities around the world.