Actually, in Hungary (at least when I was a kid) they thought us, pedestrians, to use the left side, although this was more important when there was no sidewalk. The reason is, drivers might not see pedestrians very well, especially at night, but pedestrians do have a higher chance to see cars, as cars are usually illuminated. The pedestrian is facing forward, so it’s easy to see and react when a car is coming. But from behind? They’ll pass on the right side of the road, so there should be plenty of clearance.
And I was legit surprised when I moved to Germany, pedestrians here are using the right side.
America is the same way in that regard. I think what op was saying is when you’re on the sidewalk or in a grocery aisle, use the same rules of the road with other pedestrians/bikers.
In my state in the US we were taught if you were on a bike you go with traffic because you are moving fast but if you are walking/running then go against traffic so you can move out of the way if needed.
Walking and running are like standing still compared to traffic. Going against traffic means you see it coming and can move aside if needed or wave your arms or something if they don’t seem to see you.
Bikes and other fast wheeled devices go with traffic because they follow the same patterns for lanes and turning as vehicles like motorcycles or scooters.
If you’re in a drive on the left or right side of the road country, that goes for bike and walking paths too. Eg in Australia, keep left on footpaths.
Actually, in Hungary (at least when I was a kid) they thought us, pedestrians, to use the left side, although this was more important when there was no sidewalk. The reason is, drivers might not see pedestrians very well, especially at night, but pedestrians do have a higher chance to see cars, as cars are usually illuminated. The pedestrian is facing forward, so it’s easy to see and react when a car is coming. But from behind? They’ll pass on the right side of the road, so there should be plenty of clearance.
And I was legit surprised when I moved to Germany, pedestrians here are using the right side.
America is the same way in that regard. I think what op was saying is when you’re on the sidewalk or in a grocery aisle, use the same rules of the road with other pedestrians/bikers.
In my state in the US we were taught if you were on a bike you go with traffic because you are moving fast but if you are walking/running then go against traffic so you can move out of the way if needed.
That’s what I was taught for walking country roads with no pavement, sometimes even no shoulder.
German here. I was taught the same thing, when walking on a country road. If there’s a pavement, I walk wherever.
I used to use same rule when riding bike in paved roads with no side walk.
And for the love of god if you’re on a shared bike/walking path, keep your dog/child on the same fucking side as you. Share the gd path.
United States is different, cars and bicycles on the right side, pedestrians on the left side.
Thankfully my city isn’t strict about that, as it makes damn near no sense to me, regarding the opposite side laws for people on foot… 🤷
Walking and running are like standing still compared to traffic. Going against traffic means you see it coming and can move aside if needed or wave your arms or something if they don’t seem to see you.
Bikes and other fast wheeled devices go with traffic because they follow the same patterns for lanes and turning as vehicles like motorcycles or scooters.