Pedestrian Etiquette

I have made an online petition on a very mundane and everyday matter. It reads:

It can be difficult to move through busy public spaces and now, more than ever, we can show respect for our fellow pedestrians by giving each other space. Here are some ways to do that:

- If we need to look at our mobile devices, we can find a spot out of the way in which to stop.

- If we are entering into a busy walkway, for instance by leaving a shop, we can give way to those already passing by.

- If we are walking as part of a group, we can avoid occupying the entire width of the walkway.

- At all times we can scan the space ahead of us for other people and avoid bumping into them.

- And, If possible, we can keep to the left, while overtaking on the right, just like we do on Melbourne escalators.

We the undersigned pledge to improve pedestrian etiquette by adopting these practices in our own lives.

If this gathers lots of signatures then we will also ask local governments and chambers of commerce to consider promoting such practices via public awareness campaigns.

In an update I then clarify that this is more a pledge than a petition:

If you sign it you are declaring your own intentions and hoping to act as a role-model. Yes, the movement of others in busy spaces can be frustrating or even risky but, chances are we have each been that annoying person at times. We are signing this as an act of respect for others rather than as an excuse to criticize. Pedestrians from all walks-of-life are in it together.

If the target number of signatures is met then I will communicate this to organizations in Melbourne (local governments and chambers of commerce) that can influence pedestrian behaviour in public places and shopping precincts. Suggestions for target organizations are welcome.

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My motives for this act are both general and specific. I have long been noticing it getting more difficult to move harmoniously in crowded spaces and am sure it bugs many walkers. Indeed, I recently read of a study showing that even a small number of erratic walkers in a busy public space result in propogation of such behaviour throughout the crowd.

Recently this has become a more pressing issue for me because the tenderness of some damaged sinew can be exacerbated by sudden stops and turns. Most of my past civic activity has been on issues that effect potentially everyone. This is the case here too but one thing recent times has shown me is that issues that directly affect us are the ones we focus most on. That is what motivated me to do this now. Also the need for safe distancing can only be helped by us paying attention to our surroundings.

Initially I considered the old-fashioned method of posters in public spaces. One can hire such advertising space in particular shopping and public transport hubs. I have been in discussion with such advertisers but it is taking time. Hence I have turned to the simpler and possibly more effective method of online promotion and ChangeDotOrg say they can target my page to Melburnian users specifically. We shall see.

My missive asks supporters to do something a bit different from most petitions. I'm aware that this is a culural more than an institutional problem and so ultimately it can only be solved by changes in voluntary behaviour. This is why if you add your name then you are pledging that you intend to behave better for the sake of others. I hope this wording will prevent some from turning my page into a site of whining over the conduct of others.

It is still a petition in the sense that a sufficient number of signatories will trigger some action from me in contacting municipal governments and chambers of commerce. Public campaigns can do a lot to alter behaviour - just consider how much better we are now at putting rubbish in bins even if nobody is looking. This is a long-shot but is worth a try.