h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: Sidewalk Etiquette - A988031
Author: Ebert - U221196

I feel that this is done. Let me know if there is anything I can improve on.

This entry is born from the fustrations of many, with the hope to create a smooth sidewalk enviroment.

Ebert

Should that be pavement (also known as sidewalk in the US) ?

You'll probably find that if this hits the front page it will get changed to Pavement Etiquette first. Just thought I'd warn you.
Also, I heard once there was a plan to split Oxford St (huge shopping street in London) into two sections, a slow lane and a fast lane for pedestrians.
Oberon2001

I think that was an April Fool, Oberon... although many people (including me) thought it was quite a good idea although impossible to enforce.

You're not serious, surely. That would be like being back at school. Will they employ traffic wardens as prefects or something, "No running, keep to the left! Oi, you boy!"

It must've been a very silly April Fool, 'cos it wasn't printed April 1st!... Although it was in the Daily Mail... and The Sun *gulp*
Oberon2001

Hi Ebert

First self promotion; you might like to add a link to my piece on pavement parking A610697

Regarding guideline 6 I not sure it's very respectfull to refer to the less mobile pedestrian as a *thing* especially as we are instructed to be extra *curious* (and respectful) towards these individuals

In 7 for: (i.e. from the curve to the shop) I think you mean (i.e. from the curb to the shop)

Good luck with this.

SK

Nice overall, stick 'pavement' in the title *before* they change it and they might let you keep 'sidewalk' in there too

A few typo's/spellings:-

pr2, ln1 'vary' for 'very'

ln2 'travelling' for 'traveling'

Guideline 6 ln 3 'cautious' for 'curious'

ln4 'my' for 'mine'

G7 ln2 'kerb/curb' for 'curve'


Other suggestions:-

pr2 "free to act however you like" for '*would like'

pr3 'sidewalk ettiquette ...' more or less repeats the preceding paragraph and could comfortably be cut. I'd also recommend "...a set of guidelines (like table manners), not ..." rather than leaving the table manners to the end where it's less clear if they're being offered as an example of a guideline or of a hard and fast rule.

G2 add "when" at start, lose 'ing' on 'approach'.

Hi.

Just a quick edit to my entry as per your suggestions. You all have such good ideas on how to make it better.

Let me know if I missed any Sidewalk/Pavement changes.

Just wondering, do I add your names to the researchers place for your help, if so, how?

Ebert

Only add researchers names if you feel they have made a contribution to the entry (ie, they've written a paragraph). Generally, people that correct grammer/spelling/minor errors aren't credited, though you can if you want.
To do it, click "edit entry". Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you'll find a box that will have your U-number in it. Just add the researcher's U-number that you want (ie, "26" for U26) click "add researcher" and they appear in the researchers coloumn.
Oberon2001

I really like the entry in itself. I do not know if it is me, but #8 read odd.

Not to neccisarly use it but this might give you an idea if you agree:

8. Many countries have unspoken recommendations for which side of the pavement you walk on. For example in Canada it is believed that if one is facing traffic they should walk on the pavement opposite the direction of vehicle travel nearest the curb; this also means that if you want to go in the same direction as traffic you are farthest from it. Where as in Japan one typically walks on the left side of the pavement regardless of direction of travel, unless passing another person.

Aloha!

Hakon, that’s great. I’ve changed it to your suggestion and with the help of Oberon2001 I’ve added you to the researchers list.

For Everyone: I’m out of town for the next month on a course, but I’ll still be keeping an eye on h2g2, so if I don’t respond right away in the next few weeks, don’t loose hope, I’m still here.

Thanks again for all your great suggestions. Anything else I can do to improve this entry?

Ebert

Old-fashioned etiquette suggested that, if a gentleman were accompanying a lady, he should position himself between her and the road, to protect her from any spray and so on thrown up by passing cars. Although, of course, in London these days, there's a certain weight to the argument that he should position himself on the other side to take the responsibility of handling negotiations with anyone manifesting themselves from a doorway and asking for money...

Cool beans! And thanks Ebert!

Number Six, I thought that had to do with chamber pots and trash being disposed of in the streets (pre pavement days); compounding that with the enormous time (lace and embroidery) and expense of women's garments.

great idea #6, I've put it in under point 8.

Hakon, I think that both reasons were valid for the gentle man to walk on the outer side of the pavement, it depends on what city you were in. I could be wrong (it's happened before)

Ebert

Ahem!

I’m back. I had lots of fun while away, but now that I am back, I am egger to keep improving myself and my guide entries. So if anyone has any more wonderful suggestions to help me make this a better entry to read, let me know.

Smiles from Ebert

In the UK, it is illegal to drive any wheeled vehicle on pavements, except mobility vehicles (like wheel chairs and those seated scooters for the elderly.)

So you can't ride bikes, scooters, or even rollerskates on the pavement.

There is an article on the BBC site you might find interesting on the Segway scooter (Niles rode one in an episode of Frasier).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3046523.stm

Hi Everybody!

I’ve just re-edited this entry again. Please let me know what you think.

Most noticeable changes are in point #8 and #10. Also in the ideas for improving pavement flow.

You all have such great suggestions. Pleas keep them coming.

Ebert

Well, if I wasn't already credited on it, I'd be thinking about picking this. Any other scouts out there?