Walking on the “Wrong” Side of the Footpath: Time to Rethink This Convention?

By Michael J. Tyler

Walking on the footpath is an everyday activity that most of us take for granted. However, even something as seemingly straightforward as walking has its unwritten rules. In Australia, the convention of keeping to the left side of the footpath often mirrors our road rules. But is this convention still relevant, or has it become an outdated and impractical expectation? My recent encounter with someone who challenged me for walking on the “wrong” side of the footpath has prompted me to reflect on the necessity of such a rigid approach to pedestrian behaviour.

The Case for Walking on the Left

The “keep left” rule is rooted in practicality. Its primary purpose is to create a predictable flow of pedestrian traffic, minimising the risk of collisions and promoting order, particularly in busy areas. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where footpaths are often crowded, such a convention can prevent chaos. Much like our adherence to left-side driving, this unwritten rule offers a shared understanding of how to navigate public spaces efficiently.

However, the simplicity of this rule is also its greatest limitation. Unlike roads, footpaths are dynamic environments where pedestrians move at varying speeds and encounter obstacles such as shopfront displays, cyclists, prams, and mobile phone users. These variables make strict adherence to a “keep left” convention not only difficult but also unnecessary in many situations.

When Tradition Becomes Ridiculous

Enforcing the “keep left” rule as if it were law often leads to tension and unnecessary conflict. Footpaths lack the formal signage and clear lanes of roads, leaving pedestrians to rely on instinct and social cues. In quieter suburban areas or less crowded streets, the expectation to stay left becomes arbitrary. In these contexts, the rigid enforcement of this convention feels more like an exercise in control than a practical necessity.

Moreover, Australia’s cultural diversity brings varying interpretations of pedestrian etiquette. In some countries, there is no expectation to walk on a specific side, and individuals adapt naturally to the flow of traffic. Cities like New York or Hong Kong, with their much larger populations, demonstrate that harmony can exist without rigid conventions, relying instead on mutual awareness and flexibility.

A New Approach to Footpath Etiquette

Rather than clinging to a one-size-fits-all rule, it might be time to adopt a more adaptable approach to footpath etiquette. Respect, awareness, and adaptability should take precedence over outdated conventions. Pedestrians could focus on basic courtesies, such as giving way to those with mobility challenges, stepping aside for faster walkers, and avoiding obstructing others by standing in groups.

In busy urban areas where footpath congestion is a genuine issue, clearer guidelines or signage might help encourage orderly movement. However, in quieter or less structured settings, pedestrians should feel free to move naturally without fear of reproach for stepping outside an arbitrary norm.

Moving Forward

While the “keep left” rule on Australian footpaths has its roots in logic, its relevance is diminishing in an increasingly flexible and diverse society. Rather than insisting on rigid adherence to an unwritten rule, we should prioritise mutual respect and situational awareness. By letting go of outdated conventions, we can create a more harmonious and inclusive environment for all pedestrians.

In conclusion, my experience of being challenged for walking on the “wrong” side of the footpath highlights the absurdity of rigidly applying such a convention in all contexts. It’s time to embrace a more dynamic and considerate approach to footpath etiquette—one that reflects the reality of modern Australian life.