The sidewalk rule is an etiquette practice that originated in medieval times, where men would walk on the street side to protect women from waste and other hazards. This practice demonstrated chivalry and protection, forming part of a broader code of honor that guided social interactions. It was considered a man’s duty to protect his companion while walking, reflecting the expectations of the time and the law surrounding pedestrian safety.
The concept dates back to medieval chivalrous behavior, where protective actions towards women were expected from knights and gentlemen. Knights were guided by a code of honor that emphasized loyalty, bravery, and generosity, which evolved into a course of social norms for courteous behavior in a world where chivalry mattered. Sidewalk Rule Defined - The Accident Network Law Group
On our daily hobbles, I simply must walk on the street side of the sidewalk even when that results in Sue walking on my cane side, which can be a tiny bit awkward at times. However, neither of us can deal with me on the inside as in the photo.
My mother and I once encountered my beloved grade 5 teacher and her beau walking toward us. He was on the inside. My mother was scandalized, thus irrevocably searing the sidewalk rule into my young brain. She couldn’t have been much more troubled had she witnessed a mugging
I don't know if The Sidewalk Rule fell out of favour for some time, but if so, it is making a comeback.
The sidewalk rule has gained traction on social media ... as a test of chivalry in relationships and as part of a traditional course of dating etiquette. The rule suggests that a man should walk closest to the street when walking with a woman, positioning himself as a protector from oncoming traffic and other hazards. This simple act of chivalry has gained significant attention and sparked discussions about pedestrian safety, relationships, and etiquette.
The trend has been viewed millions of times, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions on the matter. Women often praise men who follow this rule, viewing it as a test of a partner’s care ... Despite its seemingly simple nature, the sidewalk rule has raised important questions about the role of protection in relationships and the broader implications for pedestrian safety. Sidewalk Rule Defined - The Accident Network Law Group
Good intentions aside, winter conditions often shrink the sidewalks, making them too narrow to proceed side by side, so I am left to walk the respectful 6 paces behind my noble beauty.
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| Tough walking conditions |
I have never heard of this but spent the bulk of my childhood living on a gravel road with not a sidewalk within ten miles so perhaps I can be excused.
ReplyDeleteMy Larry has always walked "street-side". It's just what a gentleman does...
ReplyDeletehugs
Donna
With those six steps behind your beauty, you can admire your dear wife in all her glory.
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm out with my husband, I automatically walk on the side away from traffic or in front of him – which is necessary because he's much taller than me… and there we are again…
good visibility is good :-))
Hug
There's also the restaurant and crowd rule where a gentleman goes in front to forge a path for the lady. I like that one.
ReplyDeleteI don't follow those rules all the time but I must say that I prefer to walk behind if the sidewalk is narrow.
ReplyDeleteI like the photo of Sue braving the path ahead of you...I will often go first with a group, and it's strange for me to tail along behind.
ReplyDeleteI knew that before you even said! Love the Sue pic!
ReplyDeleteI rarely walk on a sidewalk so I didn't even know about the rule. Makes sense though. If I was with a guy I detested I could push him into the street! ;)
ReplyDeleteVal, that's one reason women like this rule.
ReplyDeletehaha!
DeleteAnother reason for the man to walk nearest the road was so that his sword arm was free to grab his sword and defend his lady. Even left-handers wear swords on the left.
ReplyDeleteFunny how these things stick with you - although I'm wondering if I've ever taught it to my kids? Of course when they were young I always had them on the "inside lane". Away from traffic. It tickles me that your mom was so offended by the breaking of the rule.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see what young ones these days will do.
ReplyDeleteI don't necessarily follow this rule except when I'm walking with children. Now I'll have to watch John to see what he does. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, this and most courtesy have been lost to people, especially men. Not my husband though. He holds the door open for others and always walks on the outside with me and opens the car door.
ReplyDeleteI saw that pdq, and think of opening doors, carrying packages, and offering compliments too.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter told me to move to the inside of the sidewalk when we were walking the dog. I thought that was nice, she said it's because I'm old and would get more hurt. lol
ReplyDeleteI grew up with this rule. I haven't paid attention to it for a long time. Maybe because there aren't any sidewalks.
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about this. Unlike the commenter above, I was taught, the door was opened for the lady, and she walked first, following the hostess to a table in a restaurant. First hubby taught me that when sitting at a restaurant table, the gentleman sits facing the entrance of the establishment so he can keep an eye on any evil guys coming in. Said he learned it from James Bond?! I still like gentlemen taking their hats and caps off in a restaurant. One nice place in town has that rule in their fine print, probably due to the political statements on hats these days. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteThe gentleman should be on the outside, closer to the sidewalk. My father taught me that.
ReplyDeleteChivalry may have traded chain mail for hashtags, but whether braving carriage wheels in medieval lanes or icy curb edges today, your steadfast place on the street side proves that some codes of honour endure
ReplyDeleteThis old boy can't walk with anybody on the side walk because my balance is poor and I bump into people.
ReplyDeleteThat rule is ingrained in me.
ReplyDeleteThe photo with the woman walking on the outside does immediately look odd, somehow. I wonder how many younger people still do this or have even heard of the "rule".
ReplyDeleteI'm not walking with Joe anywhere! Even the path to the deer feeders is only wide enough for one.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Jablog I now know what lefties had to do to manage the sword at the ready thing. JG always goes to the outside - I don't think he even has to think about it. Autopilot.
ReplyDeleteI like to dip my French Fries in apple cider vinegar. I'm strange.
ReplyDeleteYes, I knew about the rule and in addition to the reasons you provided about why the man should walk on the outside, here’s another, to protect the woman from things being tossed out windows above, like garbage.
ReplyDeleteI’ve heard about this rule, and I’m glad that you and Sue are on the same page about it. I am not sure that I need any more protection than my husband does, though. I guess it goes against my ‘women are equal’ stance.
ReplyDeleteI knew about the sidewalk rule - we once had a new teacher break the "making your wife drive alone" etiquette - we live in the country and thus every family invited the new teacher and his wife for dinner before school started. He wanted to take his motorbike for a spin and so got her to drive alone and meet him at his destination. He therefore was never really warmed to in the area - a big no-no.
ReplyDelete