Survival Rules for the Sidewalks of New York: How to Navigate the City Like a Native

New York is officially the most visited major city in the United States. The city was visited by about 64,3 million travelers this year.. Gothamist consulted with New Yorkers who regularly walk the city streets about how to stay oriented while walking around the Big Apple during the holidays.

Some would say that December is the most wonderful time of year in New York City. The storefronts of Fifth Avenue sparkle. The tree at Rockefeller Center is ablaze with lights. The air is crisp. The aroma of hot cocoa and roasted nuts whets the appetite.

But New Yorkers have to cross these tourist-filled streets every day to get to work, the grocery store, or a restaurant reservation. It's not so wonderful.

On the subject: Rules for safe driving in winter: advice from experienced motorists

Experts have provided useful advice on how to get around the city.

Treat New York City sidewalks like highways

While city sidewalks aren't as strictly regulated as multi-lane highways, several experienced pedestrians said some of the same general rules should apply. These include:

• keep to the right, overtake on the left;
  don't meander;
• do not cross five lanes of the sidewalk at the same time;
• do not stop in the middle of pedestrian traffic;
• Don't walk backwards.

“Think of your body as a car. Do with it what you do on the road,” said Tara Sonin, New York Public Radio’s director of audience development and a native New Yorker. “You wouldn’t drive too fast in a pileup, you wouldn’t drive too slow. If you were clearly lost, you’d turn on your hazard lights and pull over until you figured out what to do.”

Pay attention to those around you

Many pedestrians stressed the importance of situational awareness. It’s a good idea to be aware of how much space a pedestrian takes up on the sidewalk. Holding hands with five of your best friends on your way to brunch at the Village isn’t exactly the kind of thing that will help you navigate. Nor should you stop for the stairs on a crowded subway platform.

If you're lost and need to check your way around, it's a good idea to go under a store awning before hunching over your phone.

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton said pedestrians should be especially careful when navigating crowds on rainy days.

It also discourages pedestrians from making FaceTime calls, especially on a narrow and crowded sidewalk like the High Line.

“It’s not a good idea. It’s not very safe,” he said. “When you’re FaceTimed with someone, you’re talking loudly. Everyone can hear you. You’re probably walking slower than you normally would. So you’re doing three things that are not very good.”

Don't pay too much attention to details

Walking around New York City is a great way to see the sights of the bustling metropolis. You can admire the architecture, shop windows, and watch furry rats scurry around in search of pizza crusts. There’s even a YouTube channel, Walking Commuter, that films walks around the city for tens of thousands of subscribers.

But it's better not to get distracted.

“City viewing and crowds don’t mix,” said Mike Barry, vice president of audience development and engagement at New York Public Radio. “If you want to look (up, down, at others, at the trash can across the street), stop and step out of the pedestrian flow.”

Evaluate the benefits of any given route

New Yorkers and tourists alike must make difficult decisions as they navigate crowds of pedestrians—not to mention the bicycles and scooters that sometimes ride on the sidewalk.

Some pedestrians said they sometimes use the bike path or even walk on the road to avoid crowds. Others said they stay away from busy areas altogether, especially during peak tourist season.

The city council voted in favor legalization of crossing the roadway earlier this year, so it's now technically legal. Experts certainly won't tell you to swerve into oncoming traffic or do anything else unsafe just to get away from an annoying group posing for selfies in the middle of the sidewalk.

Try to be more lenient with people

Yes, this holiday season will inevitably see crowds of people snapping photos, looking at maps, or strolling through parks on city sidewalks. The crowds will test New Yorkers' patience. But Leighton, the etiquette expert, advised fast walkers to remember that people are rarely intentionally rude.

"Let's show everyone a little grace and assume the best," he said.

Leighton said it's also important to remember that tourists, while sometimes a nuisance to those in a hurry, are essential to this city.

"Whenever I get upset with tourists, my internal monologue is always, 'Thank you for your tax dollars. Thank you for supporting the New York economy. Thank you for coming. I know it's not a cheap vacation,'" he said. "So thank you. But, like, can you just step aside?'