What is the correct British etiquette when walking down the pavement and two people (talking together) are approaching blocking it?

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glasgowgeg@reddit

Fairly frequently, when walking down the pavements in my town, I will come across two people walking in the opposite direction talking together.

What do you do in that situation?

I'm not stepping into the road to accommodate them, they can move single-file.

If they don't, I stand in place and force them to go around me, it's incredibly rude behaviour that more people are doing now.

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Hour-Road7156@reddit

I just kinda lean towards one side and sometimes stop. Kinda make it look like I’m doing my bit to let us pass, and the rest is their problem

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I will never move out of the way for a man IF he has the space to go around (men usually assume women will move and it's infuriating) however in this case they are being rude. If I'm walking with my partner or a friend I will step behind to let someone past always.

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MercuryJellyfish@reddit

You say "excuse me."

"Excuse me" is the ultimate British social weapon, because with just a slight change of intonation, it can mean "could you let me past please" or "what the fuck do you think you're doing blocking the pavement, get out of my way you imbecile."

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WaltzFirm6336@reddit

My friend and I (both women) were once in the local supermarket at school kicking out time. When we came to leave a group of about 6 very tall teenage boys were completely blocking the exit whilst they waited for their friends to pay.

Since I used to teach secondary school I was undaunted and I called out a cheery “Excuse me lads, thanks!” They all looked up from their phones and automatically shuffled out of our way. My friend thinks I have magic powers. What I actually know is that most teenagers are nice people, they just tend to be completely clueless.

The combined use of both confidence and use of manners can get most teenagers to do most things.

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shortandfelly@reddit

I was walking my dog behind a secondary school lad going to meet his mates who were walking towards us. He was commentating some moves from a game they were playing, supplemented by a lot of swearing... His mates gave that nod that means "there's someone behind you".

He turned around and apologised pretty profusely 🤣 it gave me a good chuckle.

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titlrequired@reddit

Go through the middle, lock shoulders. No mercy.

For clarification this is my 4ft11 wife’s approach.

I’d be in the road asking them not to hurt me.

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shortandfelly@reddit

I'm 5'1" and have a similar approach 🤣

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Prestigious_Donkey_9@reddit

Head down. Lead with the shoulder. Gather pace, you kind of want to hit them at the pace of an amateur prop forward.

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bellabanjsk@reddit

Maybe also make a grunting noise as they approach? 🤣

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Prestigious_Donkey_9@reddit

Nah, the only sounds you need to utter are, when you smack them into the air, "oh, sorry, didn't see you there."

Maximise the passive aggressive for pure Englishness.

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Hamsternoir@reddit

You can stare into the distance past them and really focus instead of head down.

Or just stand still got the really ignorant ones.

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Ok_Topic9967@reddit

yep, stare past the oncoming parties, the effect is extraordinary it’s like moses parting the waves.

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Hamsternoir@reddit

I was thinking Jedi mind shit but that's a much better description.

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O_C_Demon@reddit

I like to throw a nice solid Ice hockey hip check. Saves on the shoulders

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SaltyName8341@reddit

Aim low for maximum dominance

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SP4x@reddit

And rise as you connect, lifting them off the ground.

As they go sprawling say "Sorry mate, I didn't see you there".

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CourtneyLush@reddit

As someone's 5ft nothing wife, this is the way. I'm not making myself smaller for the convenience of other people, I've done that in my younger years and I ain't doing it now. If you don't single file, I'm barrelling towards you and making like Johnny Wilkinson.

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hardware26@reddit

Group blocking the pavement should figure it out. Not even a question.

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Buddy-Matt@reddit

Yeah, I mean, what did they expect OP to do? Meld into the wall or dive into traffic?

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Large_Coat_589@reddit

I don't move anymore. I just keep walking straight, either go on my phone, don't look at them, or if either of us are not moving, I will stand where I am until they move (which usually never happens). People need to be spatially aware of their surroundings and the more people move for them, the more they will do it. It absolutely irritates me to the point I do not care if it ends up with them being aggressive

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Omg_stop@reddit

This was me. I used to just pretend my phone rang and stop suddenly with a shocked face and pull it out and look at it. Then I turned forty and I just walk into people. I stopped caring.

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Cantbearsed1992@reddit

Yep same here

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Ok_Young1709@reddit

I stopped caring long before 40. Just walk into people, they'll either learn or keep getting bruises.

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Acrobatic-Ad584@reddit

Standing still is better than dancing round

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Large_Coat_589@reddit

If anything, they'll probably think something is wrong with you and will move away

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Acrobatic-Ad584@reddit

Yup

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BintangTimor@reddit

Had this today. Absolute dog nutter with four dogs. Like, I'm not walking around your filthy shitbeasts. GTFO the waaaay

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BoogChoo@reddit

As a disabled person who walks with sticks, I'm never not having to stop like op gives the example of, and the amount of people who bump me making as little effort as possible to get past me. It's traumatising for me to walk anywhere busy these days.

If I'm with a friend I instinctively walk behind them to hide from oncoming pedestrians.

People need to pay more attention to their surroundings or don't be surprised if they hear a few expletives thrown their way for being inconsiderate ragamuffins!

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Euphoric_Rough_5245@reddit

My other half doesn’t stop for no one if it’s a group of people. He stays on whichever side of the path he’s walking and lets them sort themselves out or bounce off of him.

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RockasaurusFlex@reddit

"Yeah fuck off pal" is my answer to that particular person.

But I'd normally not let it go that far... "HELLOOOO... yes, am I in your fking way?!!" About 2-3m to go usually gets them to fuck off.

If they are older/infirm or a kid, I'll probably just use a jaunty "'s'cuse me" and tilt sideways enough for us all to fit with a little cheeky grin.

But anyone with full faculty can, as I say, fuck off.

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Chiselfield@reddit

I don't etiquette with these people anymore. I just stop dead in front of them.

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Sad-Nectarine-7855@reddit

I live somewhere where NO ONE moves out of the way, and where the average IQ is actually below avarage and just 8% of the adult population have any qualifications.

They also will walk side by side and not move, no matter what you do, walk by the wall, they'll walk into you, say something they'll ignore you, be polite, they'll ignore you, be aggressive they'll probably try to start a fight.

This really grinds you down, one point I lost my rag and screamed to move out the fucking way plus various insults and at most it generated was a dipshit laugh and "oh my god" while smirking.

My bad for living amongst retards.

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Novel_Ad_8369@reddit

People nowadays are just rude, entitled fucks. Absolutely they should go single file to allow you to pass safely.

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AnonymousBadger104@reddit

What do you mean nowadays? When I see a group walking 3 or 4 across the path and not moving for anyone to pass it's almost always coffin dodgers shuffling along at 1mph.

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Novel_Ad_8369@reddit

I'm absolutely not using nowadays to mean a certain generation or to refer to the youf. It seems most people in general have such a sense of entitlement.

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Ok_Young1709@reddit

I spotted an old man the other day who directly outside a shops door just stopped to faff with his receipt, blocking anyone entering or exiting. It's just rude, you've paid, if you didn't like the price, you shouldn't have paid or grumble at home.

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SpaceWomble64@reddit

Yep, that’s it.

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Vequihellin@reddit

👏 In a nutshell, basically.

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Historical_Project86@reddit

Windmill.

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SkipsH@reddit

I'm a 6'4 dude and kinda scary looking if I'm not making an effort, people just get out of the way.

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DutchOfBurdock@reddit

The FFS comment, I quip back "kids learn to single file at 5!"

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im_not_funny12@reddit

Never look at the people. Look where youre walking. People will move.

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gord2002@reddit

Be like Richard

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scorzon@reddit

Are you saying OP should be a Dick?

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Ok-Sherbet-3519@reddit

head down, hands on either side of forehead, a finger from each hand pointed up to the sky, begin scuffing the sole of one foot on the gravel and start to bellow like a bull. Works every time.

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TweetdevilsOfficial@reddit

Start dancing :-)

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bluebellwould@reddit

Um, I lock my shoulders and carry on walking. I do not stop. They get shoulder barged. 49f with no fucks left to give.

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AlGunner@reddit

I'm quite big so I just move to the side of the pavement and don't break stride as I pass them. If they don't move over we bump each other.

The highway code does say something along the lines of the person facing oncoming traffic should be on the outside of the pavement so if I've got my back to the traffic I go inside and if I'm facing traffic I go on the outside and walk close to the kerb.

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trmetroidmaniac@reddit

If they walk into me that's their fault.

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wowsomuchempty@reddit

I tend just to stop.

Now I am an obstacle to circumvent.

As you lack the civility to do otherwise.

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Hot_Holiday_45@reddit

If there are two people, regardless of gender, then one of the two should move into single file to let the other person pass.

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No-Problem-1354@reddit

I learned the best way from the Europeans. You walk along assertively and don’t make any eye contact. Both the assertiveness and the no eye contact is important because 1. It automatically attracts the group’s attention and 2. They see you aren’t phased by their group. It works everytime they always move.

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PrincessPK475@reddit

Make direct eye contact and play pavement game of chicken.

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MikeMcLoughlin@reddit

Do not give them eye contact or even look at them, they will move. Also, as others have said, keep to the wall side.

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Equivalent-Pop8045@reddit

“me and said "For F*** sake"”

“the people were ladies”

It doesn’t sound like it tbh.

As a man I’ll always step off the pavement for ladies, children & elderly - provided it is safe to do so. If traffic is approaching I may slow or stop beforehand.

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Exita@reddit

I just stop on the path and wait for them to sort their lives out. They’re welcome to try to walk through me if they want.

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ooocheeky@reddit

I’m in a similar situation where I live, with the addition of bus stops where people block the pavement. I don’t stop, I keep walking even if that means walking through them, I’ve had some arguments sure but they don’t own the path, so they can get bent.

Had a group of 3 adults stood at the bus stop on Friday, they all looked directly at and 2 moved but one stood blocking the path, his mate pulled him out of the way at the last second as he could see I wasn’t going to stop

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Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit

You each stick to your respective left hand side, and if that means one of the two oncoming pedestrians has to fall in behind his friend for a few steps then so be it.

Any normal person in their position would just step to one side and let you pass, then carry on as they were.

Nothing about your encounter warrants a "for fucks sake" on their part. And if it were such an egregious inconvenience to them then they could probably do with giving their head a wobble.

Well done for standing your ground 😂

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keithmk@reddit

This was not about driving a car, so the left hand side bit is pure bullshit. If you don't accept that, try applying it on, for example the tube in London. It is elementary good manners, if you are the one causing a block on the pavement, eg walking 2 a breast, then you move to allow the other to pass

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Dean_Learner77@reddit

But you do walk on the left in a tube station. If you're standing and riding the escalator up you stand on the right so people walking on the left can pass.

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Boring-Credit-3977@reddit

It it’s opposite to what you expect, since when driving its keep left unless overtaking. So it should be keep left when standing on escalators with overtaking on the right

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Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit

Though not the law, general etiquette in the UK is to walk on the left hand side. I'm sure everyone is taught this from childhood and it is encouraged, if not enforced, in most situations where pedestrian footflow is somewhat confined.

Especially on roadside pavements, by walking on the left it means the person nearest the road is facing and has visibility of oncoming vehicle traffic, while the person walking with their back to the traffic is furthest from the road.

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Ashamed_North348@reddit

I am totally aware of other people at all times, I wouldn’t let my kids step off the pavement for oncomers, I’m the same with my grandchildren, I just say tuck in, and they do!

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Sparkledim@reddit

Same as I do at work two becomes one very quickly

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oli_ramsay@reddit

Rugby tackle

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caniuserealname@reddit

Pick a side, leave enough space for the largest of their group to pass you, let them figure out the rest.

With that said, I'm a decent sized 30-odd year old with a big bushy beard. Your milage may vary with this approach.

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srm79@reddit

Etiquette is to keep left but, the group should be giving way to oncoming pedestrians and not being arsey about it

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Ok_Astronaut_9197@reddit

Put on your biggest ard bloke walk, look down and march on through.

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GDub-uk@reddit

Choose the weakest one and walk directly at them head down. Simples

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Obscure-Oracle@reddit

I just walk on the left like I was conditioned to at school "walk on the left" lol. Two people walking side by side the proper etiquette would be them going single file and keeping to the right for you to pass. If they don't move over then I would stand side on to give them room and just say an emphasised "Cheers" as they go by.

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Delilahpixierose21@reddit

I would automatically step behind the person I was walking alongside and let the other person pass.

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Usaname91@reddit

Carry on walking. I get sick of this and just carry on walking, if they don’t want to move they’re getting a shoulder but that’s their fault

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MrJones-@reddit

I would say loudly excuse me and move to the inside of the pavement.

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Tiny-Holiday-4625@reddit

This is very common and it really gets on my nerves, If I'm out and 2 or more people are approaching taking up all the pavement space most of the time they will NOT move out of the way, I stand my ground now and I will make them move, it's basic manners to make space for both sides.

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WickedWitchofTheE@reddit

What part of the country do you live in? Where I live the couples fall into single line when someone else is approaching from the opposite direction. Granted some of them do it a bit later than I do but they all do it

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swingthecatz@reddit

Pair or group should go single file!!

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Old-Growth-6233@reddit

https://youtu.be/1lyu1KKwC74?si=G23cxlcr2oPmkhGl

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Sharo_77@reddit

I stop on the wall side. They either go single file or one of them walks into traffic

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit (OP)

!answer

Apologies if anyone else said this first but I think this is the obvious answer I never thought of!

I think I always walk beside the road out of habit (incase I’m able to move onto it), but this gives a subconscious impression I WILL move out of the way, hence they don’t and the confusion.

If I default to the wall, it makes it more instinctually obvious a block will happen and someone has to act (more sensibly them).

Thanks, glad I asked. Sometimes you don’t seethe obvious in the moment!

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gromit1991@reddit

We drive on the left so I always walk on the left. Makes a bit of sense.

However, if you walk on the right you have your back to approaching vehicles. Not good at the best of times but worse if there is a risk someone could push you into the road.

Walk on the left and you either see the traffic or you're safe up against a wall/fence/hedge.

Any couple/group hogging the full width of the footpath are arseholes but always consider your own safety.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit (OP)

I hadn't actually thought of this (I was on the road side), but I quite like this as a method to handle it. I just don't particularly want someone to swear at me, and this seems like a nice way to handle it + avoid being pressured into the road.

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Jamitry1@reddit

Why do you care about niceties when they are acting like massive arseholes, expecting you put your health at risk rather than them having the inconvenience of not standing by their friend for two seconds.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit (OP)

I can’t really tell what is in their brain (whether they’re being A-holes or not), they may have other stress going on in their lives/or talking to their friend about something really important, I just want a system to avoid/reduce this situation happening (it’s not nice to be sworn at)

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Individual-Trifle104@reddit

Swear right back at them

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Dic_Penderyn@reddit

Bad idea. Too many unpredictable crazy people out in the streets these days.

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That-Chain-5139@reddit

No. They ARE A holes.

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Rough_And_Ready@reddit

This is it. One thing is for sure, it won't be me walking in the gutter. Let them figure it out.

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WHawkeW@reddit

100%, claim the wall side, then they are given the opportunity to choose the option they prefer (road or single file). But this is just about making your life easier cos other people can be assholes, not because you're in the wrong taking up 50% of the pavement on either side.

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CodeBeginning6548@reddit

Great idea! I look up at the sky. Works every time

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Wamims@reddit

I think this is the right approach. I do this and have never had any problems. They move eventually.

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EitherChannel4874@reddit

Just stop and stand still. They'll have to go around you and you can't be accused of barging anyone if you're not moving. I do it all the time in London.

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f23n09fnu0w@reddit

I shout "incoming!" and push them out the way. I just got sick of people being rude.

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FreekyDeep@reddit

I'm a slightly overweight middle aged guy.

I just stand still and st

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Ancient-Egg2777@reddit

I absolutely hate this. It's everywhere! I'm not walking in the road so you can hold hands with your whomever. Rude!

It's not you.

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notjustatheory@reddit

Not specific to women, just to say that - seen this with all kinds.

My go to is to just do what you did. Stop so they have to sort themselves out. They should be able not to walk side by side for a couple seconds.

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ThickTadpole3742@reddit

The two people walking in tandem should shift to walk in single file, that is the only etiquette.

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Curious-Term9483@reddit

I would say that the person facing the incoming traffic is the one who steps into the road, because they can see when there's a gap to do it? Or if there's a handy gateway or something to duck into then whoever gets to it ducks in there for a minute to let the other person past.

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EroticFalconry@reddit

If they don’t look like they are moving out of the way just stop and stand dead still and look really disappointed, so they have to walk around you, as you sigh loudly.

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Wooden-Bookkeeper473@reddit

Run at them and clothesline these mo fo's.

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Intruder313@reddit

They have to go single file

The people walking towards traffic should be closest to the road

That person is an arse hole

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That-Chain-5139@reddit

Its the rudest thing ever. What should happen is that one of them goes behind / in front of the other, allowing both you and them to pass each other with no issues. This is the most very basic common courtesy. But these days, I increasingly find people stare at you, and will continue to walk 2, 3 - ive even see 4 abreast. So ignorant! Idk when people began to feel its ok to behave in this passive aggressive, consistent challenging of others mode but it really is pathetic.

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fire-wannabe@reddit

Walk on the left so your back is never to the traffic.

If people don't move, wait patiently

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Grgsz@reddit

It’s the most annoying thing in Britain, non existent in any other country. People have a surprising intuition here about very carefully calculating how to distribute themselves across the pavement so they occupy maximal width of space. And when they come across someone from the opposite side they act like they never saw this happening and cannot predict what is going to happen, so look at you with empty eyes but keep walking the same way. At the last minute they either shoulder you or turn 90 degrees walking sideways, but God forbid go behind their mates so the opposite side can fit.

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underwater-sunlight@reddit

I find that when I am abroad that everyone just walks into everyone but nobody gives a shit, like it's just the done thing.

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Grgsz@reddit

It has reached its goal, people walk in a system, respecting oncoming traffic not staring like cows in the middle of the pavement.

Imagine what would happen on the roads if drivers would say “hmm the other side of the road seems empty, let’s fill it”

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New_Line4049@reddit

They deserve a slap. Unfortunately thats illegal, so youll have to make do with a very disapproving look.

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bellabanjsk@reddit

We’ve entered a strange time in the UK where people seek reassurance for reacting normally to rudeness, and overthinking even minor social interactions.

I am a woman and I would 100% have briefly walked behind my friend to allow the person coming the other way to pass safely on the pavement. The other people were being knobs, put it out of your mind!

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Arbycutter@reddit

Love this comment

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symbister@reddit

upvoting is an option

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bellabanjsk@reddit

I for one, enjoyed the written compliment 🤣

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symbister@reddit

upvoted

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perpetualmentalist@reddit

Stay on the left and stay your course.

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dallasp2468@reddit

I walk on the side facing away from traffic forcing the couple who are walking towards traffic to have to step into traffic if there isn't enough room.

As they are facing traffic they can judge when to step in or if they have to walk in front or behind each other to let me pass.

If I'm facing traffic the ill walk on the outside so I can nip past them better

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Parker_Borders283739@reddit

When it's happened next to a busy road I've aimed at the person closest to the road and just walked at them and forced them to file behind their walking partner because they are being an arse hole and need to move so I don't die.

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Suspicious_Banana255@reddit

Loudly say "excuse me coming through" as you get close and smile, it's up to one of them to move behind the other, but it seems they need a reminder. Do not step off the path. We always go single file when encountering someone walking but I guess not everyone is polite these days.

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stepsmcgee@reddit

Tut at them and shake your head.

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DiDiPLF@reddit

Whilst standing your ground. Perhaps a frosty expression if they don't respond quickly enough.

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glittertwunt@reddit

What else are you meant to do? It's a 2-person width pavement, where else was she expecting you to go?

Just an idiot that you shouldn't give more thought to tbh.

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Spank86@reddit

Just stop. Stand and let them sort themselves out. Whether you stand road side or inside on the path depends on traffic. Person who can see oncoming cars takes road side.

And dont worry about people's opinion. The world is full of dickheads, worry only about your own conduct.

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JohnCasey3306@reddit

Walk confidently along one side of the path and passively aggressively halt abruptly in front of them, thus inviting them to move around you.

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CountTruffula@reddit

Pity their lack of self awareness and empathy, if they aren't going to move to the side or stand behind their mate I just stop and stand still until they do like you did

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ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

OP marked this as the best answer, given by /u/Sharo_77.

I stop on the wall side. They either go single file or one of them walks into traffic

^(What is this?)

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No_Staple_7489@reddit

Avoid eye contact, head down, don't concede an inch or change your speed. If carrying an umbrella hold it up in front of you like a lance.

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Cyril-Splutterworth@reddit

Forth, Eorlingas!

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veryordinarybloke@reddit

I stand still and let them work it out.

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Infamous-Ordinary-39@reddit

'I cannot disappear up my own arse' say it neutrally.

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Ripley_822@reddit

Aim for the middle, brace both shoulders, head down and keep walking

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OrganicPoet1823@reddit

I keep walking hopefully they move as they should

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Orange_Codex@reddit

I might stop to let them past, but no way in Hell am I walking into a busy road.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit (OP)

The thing is you usually can't on these pavements unless there's a suitable shop front.

If I (or they) stopped and moved sideways on the pavement, you still couldn't fit past.
The only way is to step into the road (which doesn't always have cars).

It seems (to me) it's obvious one of the two should move behind the other, but this isn't the first time someone hasn't done that and then got visibly angry when we've come to a standstill and I genuinely don't know what the correct approach is.

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toroferney@reddit

But then getting angry isnt your issue . You cant control others. My husband reversed parked on a narrow road yesterday. He did it quickly and in one manoeuvre . A chap had to wait and the look on his face when he drove past, he was furious. So should no one ever reverse park?

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Orange_Codex@reddit

Nothing prevents one moving behind the other for a couple seconds. Something does prevent you stepping into the road (cars). So they should have moved. Frankly, I wish you'd said something instead of taking that bitchy "for fuck's sake" on the chin.

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LiliWenFach@reddit

'Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realise that your conversation was so important that I needed to step into the road and risk getting hit by a car so as not to momentarily inconvenience you!'

'Have you heard of this thing called ' single file'? Turns out you can walk one behind the other. It's a great tactic for narrow paths. You should try it!'

'Is that your emotional support friend? Can you not be separated from them for even a second while you walk single file?'

Seriously though, my great aunt stepped off the pavement and was killed by a bus she didn't see coming. I will not let my kids walk on the road as a result.

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Labionda20@reddit

When my son was little, I always made sure that I wasn’t blocking anyone’s way with my buggy. I often find you will now have 2 people with buggies who have decided that they absolutely have to walk side by side blocking the pavement. People are very selfish.

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TheSecretIsMarmite@reddit

There's a parent locally with a double wide pushchair that takes up the full width of the pavement. She expects everyone to go in the road around her because she didn't think through her buggy before she bought it. She looks like a complete tit doing the school run expecting everyone to get out of her way.

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_ThatProtOverThere@reddit

This thread has restored my faith in humanity 🙏

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nonsequitur__@reddit

The people chatting should kind of move into single file/veer around the people walking in the opposite direction. I wouldn’t say etiquette even, just manners and practicality.

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Maraan666@reddit

Smile and say "Excuse me." - if you want to be ultra polite you can add "Sorry." (even though you have nothing to apologize for) whilst still smiling. This pretty much always works.

If they nevertheless get mouthy I might retort with "Oh I'm sorry! Have you had a stroke?".

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StereotypicallBarbie@reddit

The people blocking the path should make way

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jamnut@reddit

Let my boulder shoulders do the talking.

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VegetableMix3751@reddit

They go single file for the seconds it takes to pass

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Pockysocks@reddit

If they don't move out of the way as you approach either, you stop until they do. Say "excuse me" if you want to be polite but this should not be necessary.

You did the right thing, they were just cunts.

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ClarifyingMe@reddit

I stop walking and just stand there.

I always move behind the person I'm walking next to or tell whoever I'm walking with to move.

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Ok_Corter5831@reddit

The correct British etiquette would be to say sorry (especially if it isn't your fault), not make a fuss, and get on with the rest of your day without giving such trivialities a second thought

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Reasonable_Speed7471@reddit

Surely there should have been a tut, shake of the head and muttering under breath once a safe distance away?

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PretendPop8930@reddit

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spittingparasite@reddit

You step aside then say "You're welcome!" in your best passive-aggressive tone. It's the British way.

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Armadalesfinest@reddit

Full on Richard Ashcroft - no quarter given

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NoFewSatan@reddit

There's no etiquette, since you're all grown adults you can figure it out

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AidyGaGa25@reddit

One should walk behind the other if not I always ask them “I’m not in your way am I”

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ohfuckoffyou@reddit

Slide tackle em, triple points if you get them both

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BTZ-25@reddit

High elbows! No body wants an elbow to the face. They will move.

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talligan@reddit

I live in Edinburgh and this is really bad up here. Herds of tourists walking 3-4 abreast with suitcases and apparently zero situational awareness. If they don't make an effort to move for me, I don't make an effort to move for them (within reason, disability etc...)

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know-need@reddit

Always walk on the far side from the road when you see a group ahead. If you’re walking next to the road they will always march straight onwards without giving you space, expecting you to step into to the road (must be subconscious because everyone does this, but it’s still very inconsiderate and entitled). If you hug the inside edge of the path then they are confronted by the reality that they have to break ranks to let you pass because it’s a physical impossibility to proceed otherwise. This has only failed me a couple times. Those times I just bulldozed into them, a privilege I have as an able bodied man.

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ScientistNational363@reddit

You did nothing wrong. One of them should have moved behind their friend. If they didn’t all etiquette then goes out the window. The cultural thing to do up north would be to tell the rude lady to either “F*k off” or call her a “Rude Bch”. Hope this helps.

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Rare_Procedure7326@reddit

I don’t understand why they don’t just move into single file when you approach? It’s what I would do and what I teach my kids to do. Common courtesy.

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Gunboat_Diplomat_@reddit

Walk slowly past muttering good place to stop you elongated fucking plant pots

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Ok-Cheesecake-1891@reddit

Just stop dead, let them either walk into you or around you

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Luverlyjuberly@reddit

Judging by the language I can safely say at least wasn't a lady.

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Monsterofthelough@reddit

Do whatever you want, but don’t cry if there are consequences.

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BikeProblemGuy@reddit

My foolproof method here is to just stop walking a few meters before them. People won't walk into you if you're just standing there.

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Luverlyjuberly@reddit

I also do this.

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Sufficient-Cold-9496@reddit

Just reply with "same to you as well then"

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Regular_Look_1962@reddit

This is what I would most likely do

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peterbparker86@reddit

I just stop and they can't walk around. Or I go through the middle.

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FewAnybody2739@reddit

There probably is a power play towards you for some people, though I suspect for most people walking along in a group they're oblivious or arrogant.

Easiest way I've found is to go to the side furthest from the road. I clearly can't then be expected to step into the road and they're going to have to move or stop. If you were roadside, and they were obviously being arrogant in your case, perhaps they expected you to jump into the road for them.

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TheSmallestPlap@reddit

Ramming speed

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SadSeiko@reddit

Drop your shoulder too for better impact

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pickindim_kmet@reddit

I must admit when I come across this in my town, I'm big enough to have people bounce off me so I don't move. If of course it's someone that can't help it, pushchairs, I'm not a monster. But if it's people just being rude then they can bounce.

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Onyx1509@reddit

In my case once they start swearing at me it would be sadly very likely that all etiquette would go out of the window.

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Tintow@reddit

Just say to them "I'm doing a survey, do you have a moment" and they'll definitely cross to the other side of the road.

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underwater-sunlight@reddit

Have you heard the good word?

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EngineersAnon@reddit

I'd like to talk to you about your car's extended warranty.

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Fluid_Canary4768@reddit

There's a path like this when we visit my parents. Two people wide pavement, road is one car width. My husband INSISTS on trying to walk besides me on that stretch until I get narky at him and tell him single file. It's been 15+ years of visiting 3/4 times a year. I wonder how many more it'll take for him to actively remember.

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Forsaken_Educator_36@reddit

I feel like (yet again) Half Man Half Biscuit have got this topic cornered on their song L'enfer C'est Les Autres:

Some people don’t know how to walk on the pavement these days

Well it’s not that difficult, there’s hardly a whole host of ways

Here they come, love’s young dream, arm in arm, approaching me

Now, I’m not looking for your smile

I’m just asking for some single file

But it’s not forthcoming so I have to assume

That this narrow path belongs to you

And therefore you must be

The Duke of Westminster and his good lady wife

So, I tell you what, I’ll just walk in the road

How about I just walk in the road?

You stay as you are, and I’ll just walk in the road

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oglop121@reddit

mr. garibaldi

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liesbuiltuponlies@reddit

Have you ever seen the video for Bitter Sweet Symphony by the Verve?

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Kamoebas@reddit

Swing your arms out infront of you as you walk. Keep a fixed point ahead. They soon get the idea.

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SpudFire@reddit

Do exactly what you did. I'd choose the wall side though, that way there can be no expectation of you stepping into the road so they can carry on 2 abreast. It's up to them whether they go single file or walk into you

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AnneKnightley@reddit

I’m not going into the road so they need to move.

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WaltzFirm6336@reddit

Unfortunately what works is largely dependent on gender of those involved, size of those involved and personality of those involved. There is no one size fits all solition.

As a 40s woman I see them coming, stand still, and cough loudly. 9 times out of ten it gives them enough time to see the issue approaching, and they then move over before you meet.

Unfortunately a lot of people don’t have the best control of their emotions. So when they get a shock (even a self inflicted shock) they react with anger and defence. Taking control and giving them early warning normally avoids the issue.

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TSC-99@reddit

They should move

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IJBLondon@reddit

Have you tried violence?

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Shoddy_Pilot_2737@reddit

My etiquette would dictate that the pedestrian facing oncoming traffic passes closest to the road. They can see the traffic and judge whether it is safe to step into the road. This is overridden if the pedestrian is a child, has trouble walking or is pushing a pushchair. Additionally, dog walkers should pass so that they're between their dog and the other pedestrians (if there is an etiquette clash, they should move the dog not themselves).

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Lyonsmade@reddit

Push through the middle of them, and say ‘excuse me’ very loudly.

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hairlikebrianmay@reddit

If its the Duke of Westminster and his good lady wife.... You just walk in the road.

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Foxtrot7888@reddit

I find that if I’m on the road side of the pavement groups expect me to step into the road when they’re coming the other way but if I’m on the side near a building or hedge then they will make space. Obviously a group of people should make space for someone one coming the other way but it seems that there are plenty of thoughtless people around.

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Frosty_Leg4438@reddit (OP)

Someone else has said the same thing and I think this is where I'm accidentally making a mistake. I think I always go on the road side in an attempt to make space if able to, but actually this is what causes the issue (a subconsious assumption in the people approaching that I'll step into the road).
If I stay on the building side, this probably won't happen, I'll experiment!

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irisiane@reddit

Many people will expect you to walk on the left so you may have some friction if the wall is to your right.

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Impossible_Volume811@reddit

Dark glasses and a white stick.

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MyDadsGlassesCase@reddit

I've thought of doing this many a time. Does that make me some kind of psychopath?

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Vast-Slip-@reddit

Pick a lane and stick to it. Let them move around you like water around a rock. It's common sense and decency to make room for other people if your party takes up more space.

Pick your lane, stick to it, look at the one in the way in the eyes as you approach. They always move.

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ohnobobbins@reddit

You met a very rude, entitled person. Anyone with manners moves across and gives other people space - your chat with your friend can wait until you’re not on a narrow pavement. She was bang out of order to swear at you.

The correct etiquette is you keep awareness around other people’s comfort and safety, and if there’s a mistake, you don’t snarl or swear. You say ‘I am so sorry!’

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doepfersdungeon@reddit

Windmills

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MyDadsGlassesCase@reddit

Head down, hold your line. There's honestly no excuse for 2 people to take up a whole pavement unless one needs assistance.

I will always step behind my SO if we are walking along the pavement and someone walks towards us. It's just manners and politeness (something which is obviously being replaced with self entitlement)

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behemuffin@reddit

Walk down the middle, expect each of the pair to do a half twist, leaving them room to pass around you. If they don't, that's their problem.

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Porkus-Pius@reddit

If it's a parent and child, elderly people, disabled people or someone carring a burden, I step around them. If its a people who give the impression they're looking for an excuse to beat the s*** out of someone, I step around them but for different reasons. If it's people just being rude or inconsiderate, I avoid looking at them and stop. They always walk around me then, often grudgingly.

If you keep moving, a lot of people will take that as a challenge and deliberately walk into you, blaming you for the collision. If you stop, It's a form of passive resistance and it provides no excuse to all but the most aggressive

If two or more people are taking up the pavement, the onus should usually be on one of them to move and allow a lone walker to pass by. If I'm on my own, I'm already walking single file.

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keithmk@reddit

Haha I need a walking stick to get around on foot that usually leads to people moving aside for some reason. There are couple of places in my town where there are those split permanent barriers to force people to dismount from their bike. At those places I more often than not will stop and wait to allow anyone walking towards me to go through, because I am slow moving and it causes less delay overall than my pushing through. If there are 2 or more walking in a group on the pavement I would expect them to move to one side

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Box_of_rodents@reddit

politely but firmly just say, 'excuse me' about a couple of meters in front of them if it looks like they are ignoring you. put your hand out as if you want to guide your way through. let them tutt or kick off, howl up at the sky or do whatever. Fuck em for being rude arseholes if they think you’re being unreasonable.

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Reasonable_Bath_269@reddit

The real trick to moving through busy streets is to focus/stare at the way you are going (so usually down-ish and right or left). People look at your eyes and see that and move automatically. Maintain pace, and be perceptive of passing space and you are golden. It’s about being predictable, if you are looking all over then you get into those awkward ‘which-way’ dances

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ShortFlamingo3409@reddit

Stick to the wall side and keep walking. It helps if you're 6'4" and 23 stone 😂

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Real-Apricot-7889@reddit

They should go single file and preferably with a bit of clearance before you get right in front of each other. I find people are v annoying with this and no idea why, but I’ve not noticed any particular sex, age etc who are better/worse. Obviously people super engrossed in conversation might not notice.

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Serberou5@reddit

I walk as far to the left of the pavement as I can without walking in the road and then if they don't/won't move then we collide and it's their fault.

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PinkElanor@reddit

I'm a middle aged woman, so i am invisible and have to jump into the road or flatten myself on the wall to allow couples past. I like to say YOU'RE WELCOME loudly at their backs.

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Active_Definition_57@reddit

The behaviour of that woman was very rude. I'm 58 and can't recall ever coming to a halt in a scenario like this. In my experience, one of the pair usually drops back a little and goes at least partly behind the other, so there's space for you to go through.

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Plot-3A@reddit

"Excuse me!" in an annoyed tone, hand out straight ahead and through the middle.

If something along the lines of "How rude!" is sent your way, send it back. "I know, how rude and selfish can you get?"

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Success_With_Lettuce@reddit

Move to the left, and walk straight at them, my face stating plainly I have done what I should, you can now move or I will walk into you.

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tinydollspace@reddit

just say “excuse me” politely

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leffe186@reddit

Look at a spot behind them, start screaming continuously and run straight at the one on your left.

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JeremySausage1@reddit

Start shouting 'Other people on the planet!" Flail your arms around and make no eye contact

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SWTransGirl@reddit

Head down and walk towards them both, one will either move or I barge them both.

This is the only way.

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Soar_Fingers@reddit

Britain? No etiquette.

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oktimeforplanz@reddit

You move to one side in plenty of time, one of them moves to let you pass. There is literally no other answer. Under no circumstances should you have to step off of the pavement to let them pass when the people approaching you are capable of stepping to one side to make room.

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ButteredNun@reddit

You pick one of them to move and you head towards that person. If there seems to be no response, growling and barking tends to work just fine!

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Baggin55@reddit

Walk down it with a bit about your self. When me and the wife encounter someone walking towards us I move her infront and walk behind. This also helps with her taking a punch first… 😂

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Familiar_Swan_662@reddit

You move to the side, the people walking together move to the other side and go single file for a few seconds. Anyone who expects you to do anything else is an asshole

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Skanedog@reddit

You should step to the side and say "oh sorry excuse me, my fault" slightly louder than normal and then judge them for the rest of your life.

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Stinkinhippy@reddit

Stand in the middle of the path and stare at them.

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ButteredNun@reddit

You pick one of them to move and you head towards them. If there seems to be no response, growling and barking tends to work just fine!

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TapeDeckSlick@reddit

The two people should make space for you by one moving behind the other as you pass. That's it. End of thread.

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StrangerWest2756@reddit

They should move.

If two people are walking side by side and blocking the pavement, it’s on them to go single file for a second. That’s pretty standard etiquette.

What you did (moving to one side and slowing down) is already more than polite. Them getting annoyed is just poor manners, not you doing anything wrong.

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Suffolkman2026@reddit

Say sorry immediately : you are British.

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HawkwardGames@reddit

They should move. If two people are walking side by side and taking up the whole pavement, basic etiquette is that one of them drops behind for a second so people coming the other way can pass. Talking to each other does not give them priority, and you were not rude for expecting space.

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Kapika96@reddit

If they're not arseholes, someone in the group will move.

If they don't, then they're arseholes (and should still move!)

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WIZZZARDOFFREESTYLE@reddit

Dismantle them

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christianjwaite@reddit

It’s the groups responsibility to single file. As the solo your only option is to enforce that by slowing or coming to a stop and if met with abuse, throw some home truths back.

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JedAndWhite@reddit

I found the perfect solution while running around Oxford with a friend.

Usually, I have to end up in the road because people are idiots and walk several people abreast.

When you have a canicross lead and a dog that looks like a wolf running in front of you, people shift, fast.

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Arbycutter@reddit

If they don’t move out the way then I can’t be held responsible for what I might do or say

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GonnaGetTheWonka@reddit

Walk on the left.

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snapmyhands@reddit

Walk really slowly and stop if needed, they should move into single file to let you past. That woman was rude.

In my experience, if you stare at the pavement where you intend to walk, they move for you. If you make eye contact, they think you're playing chicken and will expect you to move.

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John_Catachan@reddit

I just walk on the side further from the road. It forces them to go single file or for one of them to walk on the road.

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ArcadeCrossfire@reddit

Correct etiquette is the people taking up the whole width of the path, take up less of the path however they decide for however long is needed, to be polite and considerate to other pedestrians.

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sihasihasi@reddit

You were 100% in the right. I'd do similar, although, I tend to just stare through them and carry on walking. Generally they move out of the way.

Muttering person is an ignorant dickhead.

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