Get out of my way!

[Golem]

If I'm walking down a narrow pavement with my wife beside me, and you are coming towards us with your partner beside you, who should step aside, us or you?

[chimney]

personally I would move behind my partner (so we're walking single file so to speak) and I would expect the other couple to follow suit, as we pass I would acknowledge the action

Basic manners really

[halfadaily]

the logical thing to do would be to pass in single file.....every problem has a solution

[halfadaily]

great minds.....chimney !

[Toureman]

The two gentelmen, if they are gentlemen, should step off the pavement to allow the ladies to pass on the pavement.

[chimney]

halfadaily - that must be the correct answer then!

[n00dles]

If both parties are polite, without thinking about it, they would step in front/behind their respective partner so neither party has to step in the road etc.

Unfortunately, not many people seem to do this, and expect you to step aside or wait for them to pass. It is something which really bugs me, as to how ignorant many people are about this.

Now I have resorted (if I can see that the couple [and sometimes 3 or 4 people] are not going to move aside/single file) to standing my ground, even if it means them hitting against you! I know 2 wrongs don't make a right, but I am truely fed up with peoples attitude on this.

Well, have got that off my chest!

[joko]

sometimes i feel like i am walking an extra 100 yards per 100 yards because i am zigzagging across the pavement so much. some poeple just walk AT you as though you aren't even there. i have started just walking in a straight line and will only shift a bit for people (obviously i move for prams and toddlers etc)

[Quizmonster]

Based on a recent article in, I believe, The Sunday Times, my partner and I now constantly refer to "the ox-people". They're are the ones who, as Joko says, appear not to be aware others even exist. Britain is now awash with them, unfortunately. Passing on a pavement is a classic instance of where you'll find them. I think we should all start calling them the oxen.

[robbo82]

As you're approaching each other, you should play a quick game of paper-scissors-stone. The couple that loses has to step aside.

[kevb0444]

What about when walking BEHIND 2 people who are side by side and they walk SOOO slow or just stop infront of you for no reason. My personal pet hate are the stuck up people who "expect" you to move out of their way and if you don't they look at you as if you are dirt.

[Booldawg]

I blame Richard Ashcroft for the countries dwindling pavement etiquette.

[Pippa68]

Nice one Booldawg!

I agree with the others..both couples should move into single file. What has happened to common courtesy?

[WendyS]

If you were both well mannered, both couples would stand aside with a smile or gesture and let the other couple pass. Then if would be up to either of you. Does it matter? Courtesy has been exchanged and that is the main thing.

If one of the couples had a pushchair or other bulky object, I would let them have precedence.

[tinkertontom]

whoever moves out of the way to let someone pass should acknowledge the other person with a thankyou , that is one thing that really gets up my nose , you hold the door open for people and they just barge through without a thanks It dosn't cost anything to be polite , even a smile wouldn't amiss. just shows how ignorant some people are nowdays.

[Craig007]

The 2 blokes should introduce themselves talk about football then find the nearest pub and watch a World Cup match.
The 2 ladies meanwhile should go shoe shopping!

[whiffey]

If I am cycling along a clearly marked cycle path, with a clearly marked pedestrian path alongside, and you are walking along towards me, with 3 double buggies, *on the cycle track* do you think that merits you giving me filthy looks and calling me a f---- c---- ?

So much hostility out there, so little manners and courtesy.

[muppeteer]

i quite like the idea of the paper scissors stone thing! i may suggest it next time i find myself in this situation. if its a saturday night then maybe a dance off would be in order & the victor would have earned the right to sride on by!

[Pippa68]

If your cycle lanes are anything like ours whiffey, then yes!

The pedestrian lanes are much more narrow than the cycle lanes. You really should dismount ;o)

[missing~link]

At the risk of being lambasted:

Why do woman/girls with child buggies EXPECT you to move out of their way ALWAYS.? Why do they think that they have RIGHT of way? Reading journalists comments on people in general, this topic always seems to be a constant in their writings. But, that aside, it is so true.
My God what looks they give u when u don't step aside, like it is their right to go first EVER TIME!

Just like they are in their CARS - when you the pedestrian are crossing a side road-they have nowhere to go-but insist on not letting you cross, even tho there exit is NOT clear!

OXEN! shall use that expression next time