“I feel like WCU students need a course called ‘Walking 101.’ Lessons should include ‘Not taking up the middle of the sidewalk/stairwell’ and ‘Not texting while crossing major intersections.'”This delightful bit of insight was offered by a friend of mine on Facebook (thanks JJ). This was the day of the 90-minute delay, after the (hopefully) last snowstorm of this winter season.
Despite borough regulations on clearing sidewalks after a snow-shower, some of the building owners I pass on my way to campus only cleared part of the walkways – about 50%. Therefore, the sidewalks that normally fit three people walking were narrowed to less than two.
This being said, I would like to add another lesson to my friend’s status: “Snow-filled Sidewalk Courtesy.” I always assumed that if you were walking with friends on a narrow sidewalk, and saw someone coming the opposite way, you got behind your buds and let them through.
However, I saw several people (myself included) forced into a game of “chicken” with different groups of Ugg boots and muscle men, only to be pushed into a snow drift or wedged behind a telephone pole. I was lucky enough to see some of these walk-offs and gauge my most effective move: the Matrix backbend.
So please, those of you who like to walk 3-4 people deep on sidewalks, snow-covered or not, have the decency to allow other people through. One of these days I’m going to get a shield or something and charge (maybe).
peace to you,
Tara T.
Editor in Chief