Rules of the Sidewalk

Heck, no!

We're going to walk arm-in-arm and gawk at all the pretty tall buildings.

We're going to pose for pictures in front of Tiffany's and ask for some friendly person to take our picture and expect sidewalk traffic to stop for our photo op.

By damn, it's our trip-of-a-lifetime visit in NYC and y'all are going to just have to "put on your big girl panties and DEAL WITH IT!"

LOL, excellent but this applies to All Cities.

May I add...when getting off of the escalator, do not come to a dead halt at that point...there are people behind you!!!!!!!!!!

'If you are going to look up assign a designated seeing eye tourist so others can pass'

That's me! When we're in NYC my daughter hangs onto the back of shirt so that she can pull me out of traffic.

This thread could go on forever, haha. This may sound like city slickers bitching about tourists, but seriously, these things will help your trip go more smoothly.

One of the other really annoying things is when groups of people (be they tourists or whatever) surround the MetroCard machines, trying to figure out how to use them. This practice blocks people who know how to use them from getting or refilling their cards so they can get to work. Just have one person figure it out, while the others step aside. Teamwork doesn't help in this case.

Starrsville, I know it's your "trip of a lifetime", but when you're on a street full of other pedestrians, don't walk arm-in-arm. You may be having fun, but really, it's rude because you block lanes of foot traffic for many people. It's akin to driving a Panzer tank down a one-lane road.

Scarlett is also correct about stopping at a dead halt after stepping off the escalator. This also applies to the top of stairs coming out of the subway.

By damn, it's our trip-of-a-lifetime visit in NYC and y'all are going to just have to "put on your big girl panties and DEAL WITH IT!"

I am not a transvesite, I am NY'er.

But let me ask you one question. If I visted your home town and acted in a way that was not in keeping with local customs and then told you too bad, how would you react?

It's a JOKE!

Geez.

Ady, you may have very well passed me on a sidewalk in NYC without notice.

Just giving you a bit of the perspective "from the other side"

I'm pretty sure Starrsville was joking.

But explain this: do not run down the street between the walkers, and do not ride your bike down the street?

Don't you mean sidewalk? Or do you really want bikes off the street and on the sidewalk?

But, to answer your question...

Sure! Come on down and be yourself.

I can't imagine you wouldn't do otherwise

This definitely applies to all cities, even a city like San Jose which is NOWHERE NEAR as crowded as NYC. Everytime I walk anywhere with my mother-in-law I have to constantly pull her out of pedestrian traffic. She will drift across the sidewalk so that the 2 of us have managed to block the entire thing. Drives me nuts. And no matter how many times I reminder her to walk to the right, she drifts to the left. I think subconciously she just doesn't want to walk next to me

My 2 cents from Chicago...

think its pretty standard that you WALK up the left side of the escalator and STAND on the right.

Don't read the paper as you meander down the sidewalk.

Stop typing on your crackberry and pay atatention to where you are walking. I don't want to have to guess where you are going to weave next as I try to pass you.

Ok... I work in Rock Center -- 'nuff said. It used to really stress me out (irk, piss off, feel homicidal, etc) that the tourists were/are blocking every possible point of ingress and egress in my building(s), ESPECIALLY during the holidays. This year I've made an early New Year's resolution to not let that bother me so much. It would be so fantastic though, if everyone didn't congregate on the sidewalk and by the doors en masse. Seriously. Also, I really, really think it would be great if tourists would not just stop in the middle of the sidewalk, as others here have already mentioned. If I encounter that on my way home in a little bit, I am going to grab the whole lot and drag them down the subways stairs with me -- albeit with a smile on my face and in the best of holiday spirit.

"Do not dial the phone as you walk. Pull your annoying butt over to a building." - can't do. Reception is much better in the middle of a sidewalk

michelle - my condolences. I don't know how you can stand working there. Every year someone wants me to "go see the tree". I'd rather jump off the roof.

For (only the self-centered) locals:

Get yourself out of the apt. 30 seconds earlier than normal so you don't have to run up escalators/stairs and in general can be a more pleasant and accomodating person.



MichelleNYC:

Good for you - bravo!

Also elevators-- don't forget to let the people get out of the elevator before you board. It always puzzles me when people don't follow that common sense "rule"-- it's like they've never used one before, as they block those trying to get off.

Sorry Starrsville, sometimes intent is lost on these postings.

Sorry, I meant ride the bike down the sidewalk.

For all those coming to NYC at Christmas: without exaggeration, the streets near Rock Center, Macy's and Times Square often become inpassable.

Last year NYC had over 40 million visitors. And you thought cleaning up after the relatives was tough.

Not to be a naysayer, but when you are complaining about how those 40 million visitors walk, talk, ride bikes, etc in NYC or any other city, remember they are also pumping money into your economy. It only takes a little bit of patience and we can all get along.

The advice about steppping briskly off of escalators is VERY serious. I have in past years seen the clueless get off and just stand there - forcing those behind them to squeeze past or literally push them out of the way.

Macy's gets so crowded that on the lower 3 or 4 floors they have "facilitators" at the bottom of all escalators - louding annoncing "step lively and move away". And they do mean move quickly. If you don't they will simply grab your arm and pull you out of the way - to avoid someone triping on you and seriously injured - or someone being caught in the teeth of the escalators.

Also don't stand too close to the side if you're a female wearing a long skirt or long dress pants.

I witnessed in San Francisco, a young girl got her pants caught between the escalator and the "side wall". She walked out of them and away Gym-type shorts were underneath.

It's okay, Adu.
I got irritated with another driver yesterday and said "Aha!" when I saw it was an out-of-state tag. But, couldn't blame it on a "damn Yankee" 'cause the tag was from Kentucky. I did think of kybourbon though

Just don't blow your horn if you ever drive down here. It is considered the ULTIMATE in rudeness. I still kind of jump the first time I'm standing on a corner in NYC and hear the cacophony of horns blaring.

I was just in NYC, and adapted to the sidewalk rules very well. What I learned 30 years ago came back to me. And the little that I didn't remember, my daughter and niece reminded me of.

Well, I don't live in NYC anymore but these "Rules" apply to all cities.
Ask a Londoner or as in my case, a rsident of Buenos Aires ( bigger/more people than NYC!!)

They are actually good tips for those who live in more suburban/country-less crowded surroundings.

And when you add the holiday (we are having summer tourists here ) crowds..it can get downright dangerous, forgetabout frustrating..

/another one we saw just today... When you cross the street, keep going a few feet before you stop and pull out the map...I remember NY taxi drivers and they drive like Grannies compared to BA drivers but they do sort of aim at you when you remain in the street too long..so try not to jam up the sidewalk where pedestrians are trying to get to before the taxi gets them first

Ahhh - New Yorkers should take a chill pill. Newsflash! The earth does not revolve around your glorious city.

I agree with the Just NYers list. But, I think you need to add that it is socially acceptable to walk in the street during the Christmas season if you are in Midtown.

I would add for the tourists, when getting on at the 5th Avenue subway station (the E & V trains) please do not stand waiting by the first two cars during the evening rush, UNLESS you intend to get off at Penn Station. 90% of those getting on the E train at that stop are rushing to make it home. They will frighten you as they bolt for the door and turnstiles at Penn Station Stand in the middle of the train, there are seats and friendlier faces.

Ahhh - New Yorkers should take a chill pill. Newsflash! The earth does not revolve around your glorious city.

There are 8 million people who live here. I think it swells to 10 million during bsuiness hours.

If there were not unwritten rules there would be chaos.

If you have been to Bourbon Street in pre-Katrina New Orleans, you understand the Ying and Yang of tourism. Ft. Lauderdale banned Spring Break. Of course you want tourist dollars and for people to enjoy your city as much as you do, but there must be some undersatnding between the people who live and those who visit.

Shoefly,
Of course we know the earth doesn't revolve around us. We're content knowing that The United States does.

hey Adu, great topical advice:

My poor husband works in midtown - he would really appreciate your list. This time of year he doesn't even leave his office for lunch or anything unless he absolutely HAS to - walking anywhere is an exercise in frustration. Last week we had to walk up 5th Avenue from 53rd to 65th Street - I swear to God, the tourists just stand in front of the stores in the middle of the sidewalk and gawk from there - it's all an outdoor mall to them . . . I know I know they're our life's blood - we can't live without 'em . . . but lately I'm having the fantasy of of one day a year we close the borders - NYC residents ONLY get to use the subways, get into the museums, restaurant reservations, movies, stores . . . just one day . . . would that be so hard?

By the way, it was announced today, the new official population is 8.25 million.
sorry for the rant . .

The foot traffic in NYC is unlike any where else in the country, not counting Christmas.
Every American who visits comes from a smaller town. Even the foot traffic on Michigan in Chicago does not even come close to many streets in Manhattan. LA is LA. When I visit our office there, the people would have a coronary when I crossed the street against the light even if the next car was in Pasadena. Pick a city and then visit NY.

If they want to think it is NewYorkCentric fine but when they get run over a delivery bike or some angry commuter walks over you, don't come crying to this board.

mp: I fantasize about that day too. Actually, I would love more than a day!

Sure, tourists are great for pumping money into the NY economy. There are a lot of nice tourists who come visit our great city. Many, however, seem to forget that there are people that actually live in the City. I can be friendly, give directions, answer questions. But please remember that when you are out sightseeing, a lot of the people you stop short in front of on the sidewalk or who are waiting behind you while you try to figure out the very simple metrocard machines at rush hour are NYers trying to get to work and get on with their days. Leave our apartments "30 seconds earlier" so we're not running up the stairs or escalators? Be respectful and we will be too. Don't stop short on crowded sidewalks (some people actually live in midtown). Don't try to buy a metrocard during rush hour if you don't know how to use the machine. We'll be a lot friendlier to tourists who can be respectful. Also, there are trash cans on every corner in NY. DO NOT throw your trash on the subway tracks or on the street. That's a suggestion for everyone, not just tourists.

Well - not to be unwelcoming - but tourism is NOT the lifeblood of New York.

New York is an incredibly wealthy city and the US center for finance/banking, education, publishing, medicine, fashion, media and a host of other industries. Although the tourist industry definitely makes a contribution, NYC is less dependent on tourism that almost any other tourist mecca in the world.

I enjoy seeing (almost all) tourists and it's great that they enjoy NYC - but frankly they need us way more than we need them.

"There are 8 million people who live here. I think it swells to 10 million during bsuiness hours.

If there were not unwritten rules there would be chaos."

Ha. That's funny. Do you think a a few tourists who don't know your "rules" will cause chaos on the street? I bet you'll survive just fine. (And, indeed you do, huh?)

I've given out my share of directions etc. to confused vacationers in Boston and really haven't felt particularly put out by it. LOL

Stick with the chill pill and smile for God's sake. Life is good!

"ut lately I'm having the fantasy of of one day a year we close the borders - NYC residents ONLY get to use the subways, get into the museums, restaurant reservations, movies, stores . . . just one day . . . would that be so hard?"

And I suppose you were born in midtown Manhattan? Maybe you should get rid of all the immigrants there too. Free up a little sidewalk space and all.

Wow . . . some people really take things literally - even when you use the word fantasy, they jump all over you . . . and fyi - Midtown Manhattan is not New York City - my jest specified NYC residents only - that includes everybody who lives here - even those in Knightsbridge, the Rockaways, Tottenville and Laurelton . . . .

Please don't lecture the New Yorkers! They have been, in my experience, ridiculusly patient and welcoming whereas I, after about 2 days, as a tourist, am pulling out my hair and plotting murder toward those who stop in the middle of the sidewalk to have a chat with their 8 closest friends or at a corner to discuss their plans for the day. I just want to gt to the theater! The OP posted in a clever and funny way, and I'd like to thank the NY-ers for being such a welcoming town.

Many/most people can't comprehend that the sidewalks of New York are our highways.

Most of us don't own cars .. we walk to meetings, appointments, and to get things done. When people slow us down, we can get a tad frustrated. Not always, of course, but certainly sometimes.

Think about it ...

Do you drive to work? Do you ever get frustrated in traffic, or when there's a car in the fast lane going 10 miles under the speed limit?

Bingo.

That's we New Yorkers on our sidewalks.

I did work in Midtown for a while and the two things that would drive me crazy were people stopping at the very top of the stairs at the subway and the group cluster trying to get the metro card to work. I miss the tokens.

Also, don't watch the walk/don't walk signs, watch the traffic!

That made me laugh, as all of the points in the OP are accurate! But, I'm here to tell you...it's NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN! Ever hear of "herding cats"? Now try herding millions of 'cats' (no pun intended re the theater district). I truly love NYC and visit any chance I get. But nobody is ever going to follow those rules....probably because they make too much sense.

re this:
" But let me ask you one question. If I visted your home town and acted in a way that was not in keeping with local customs and then told you too bad, how would you react?"

I'd react by pointing out that this is EXACTLY what New Yorkers have done to South Florida. Move down there in droves, then whine whenever something isn't like it was back in New Yawk. Then I'd react by saying, "if you really want to live in New York, why don't you go back there?"

See my post above. UPDATE: I must break my New Year's resolution as the tourists have broken my resolve. I had to "run" to a session at a conference being held at the Marriott Marquis and it took me close to 30 minutes to get there (walking) from my office at 30 Rock!! That's not because I was out for a nice stroll (HA!), that's because the sidewalks were jammed end to end with "people" stopping right in the middle to look at each other/review a map ("is it upside down??")/ talk on the phone/ text/ survey the contents of their bags / put down shopping bags to stretch their arms (I kid you not)/ etc., etc., etc. My gosh! Get out of the way!! I really felt like asking one of these dolts how they would like it if I stopped my car in the MIDDLE OF THE STREET in front of them to take a little breather!!

The best advice of all: A little common sense goes a loooong way!

Fa la la la la, la la la la!

Michelle, I feel your pain! I've just barely made it to three separate meetings on time recently, huffing and puffing because I'm now running through the streets dodging cars and relinquishing the sidewalks to the tourists...arrgghh..

I'm the last person to dissuade anyone from vising our fair city but I just wish they'd understand that for us, riding the subways, pounding the sidewalks and just rushing in general are our daily way of life. Not trying to be rude, but this crush of gawking people makes for a very stressful day.

Adu, thanks for a great post. I really don't want to have to lose my patience to anyone this season

Thanks.

That is our City. IMHO people who write trip reports, ABOUT WHEREVER IN THE WORLD IT MAY BE, and complain about the locals are treated 95 out of 100 times in kind by the way they treat lcoals.

This was an attempt for Ny'ers and visitors to enjoy the City.

Imagine what the city taxes would be for the residents living on the island WITHOUT tourist dollar income.

<A little common sense goes a loooong way!> Oh, it sure does! For both natives & tourists: 1) no one wants to hear you scream into your phone in the middle of the street or on the sidewalk. Whatever you did that your think was oh so amazing that it needs to be reported in loud detail is only to amazing to YOU. 2) You might be able to fight the sidewalk crowds better if you put down your cup of coffee or phone and put the crackberry away – it’s ok, you really don’t have to be in contact with someone 24/7 you CAN function on your own. 3) It's the holidays, it's crowded, use your head and allow extra time to get where you are going. 4) Unless you are on your way to save the world it's not really necessary to have a tantrum because you are not the only person on the bus/on the subway/on the sidewalk/in the store; build a bridge, get over yourself and have a happy holiday (even if you have to grit your teeth while doing it)

Lighten up, these issues are not unique to NYC tourists or NYC natives, it happens in large cities all over the world (really, it does), and every year we can all gather here to gripe about it. – That’s the beauty of the internet.