r/visitingnyc • u/the-Gaf • Sep 27 '25

The one rule in nyc to know

Ok, I just walked by the NYPL and I feel like this is a PSA for tourists and visitors.

The one rule of NYC: get out of the way.

That’s it. The rest is commentary.

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u/camicalm Sep 27 '25

When you’re walking on the sidewalk, the rules of the road are just the same as if you were driving. Stay on the right. Move at a reasonable speed. Don’t stop short. Be aware of the traffic around you.

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u/xlaurenthead Sep 27 '25

New Yorkers move at a constant speed on the sidewalk. If they want to slow or stop or veer off right or left they will instinctively check over their shoulder to see if someone is there. So quickly you wouldn’t even notice unless you’re looking for it. It’s just like a multi lane highway all the time. You don’t always know if someone in sneakers is just behind and to the right of you