The Simple Rule For Walking On A Street With No Sidewalk

Walking is good for you, there’s no question about it. Whether it’s a simple stroll through your neighborhood or your primary method of transportation, that type of movement is a good habit for anybody to get into. But if you’re walking somewhere where there are cars on the road, you need to be aware of the traffic safety rules in place.

Sticking to sidewalks is a great way to stay safe while walking. But if you find yourself in a situation where walking along a road with traffic is unavoidable, here’s what you should know before you proceed.

What Do I Do if There Are No Sidewalks?

Nearly every state has a law on the books saying that, whenever possible, pedestrians should walk on sidewalks. But if that’s not an option, the New York’s Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) says that “pedestrians must walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.” Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (DOT) says the same: “If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.”

No matter what state you live in, if you look up the law about what to do if there are no sidewalks, you’ll find the same answer.

Why Does This Rule Exist?

The logic behind this rule has to do with visibility. For your own safety, you need to be as far away from traffic as possible. But you also need to maximize your own ability to see the vehicles on the road. So by hugging the edge of the road and facing traffic, you can see potential dangers ahead of time and get as far out of the way as possible.

This rule may feel counterintuitive when compared to the rules governing other vehicles. Bikes, for example, must ride in the same direction as the cars that they share the road with. The difference is infrastructure. Many roads have designated bike lanes to keep them separate from cars, and most bikes aren’t supposed to be ridden on the sidewalk. But this “walk facing traffic” rule is taking into account specific situations where the regular rules of the road are disrupted, and it’s prioritizing awareness for all parties. While you’ll hear most cars, some vehicles are incredibly quiet. Plus, if there are other road or weather-related noises, you may not hear approaching cars until it’s too late. Ultimately, walking in the direction of oncoming traffic gives you an extra layer of awareness.

Sources

Rules and reminders for pedestrians and drivers, State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Pedestrian Safety Overview, New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.

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