[NAGDU] Horrible Left Tendency

[David]

I know this has been talked to death, but I have a couple of new 
observations.

I understood that left-guiding is based upon the need to face traffic 
when walking on roads where drivers drive on the right side of the road, 
so that you are always facing traffic when walking on the road without a 
side walk. GDF trains guides to walk on the left, but they also train 
the commands, OVER RIGHT and OVER LEFT. I find it easier to just let 
Claire Rose guide me from the left of the path, except in NYC.

In NYC, I get body slammed when walking on the left at least twice, 
often more, each block I walk. What I have found is that fast-paced New 
Yorkers are very self-absorbed. When they sense, but don't look at, 
someone coming toward them, they will move slightly to their left. They 
apparently think that the person coming toward them will also move a 
little to their left as well. When you don't, a collision occurs.

When traveling in different countries, I have found that each culture 
has its own rules regarding personal space. Who gives way to whom 
depends upon where you are. Speed, angle of approach, and placement on 
the walkway are all important aspects of this. Sometimes the rules 
change on subways and stairways, in airports, performance venues, and 
stores. Italy's rules are vastly different from Germany's. France's 
rules are different from Spain's. I think a study would make a great 
Master's thesis, if it hasn't been done already.

*David in Clearwater, FL*
*david at bakerinet.com*