I think pedestrians must accept that with the advent of the bicycle, not to mention roller bladers, skateboards, motorized and un-motorized scooters, and the segway, that the sidewalk has become a roadway. It is no longer a sidewalk in the old meaning of that word, but a sideway, an extension ofthe street.

According for my own personal safety I have developed this eight part policy which I call Defensive Walking.

1. Before entering the sidewalk check for on coming bicycles.
2. When walking on a wide sidewalk, keep to the right.
3. Before moving laterally check your six o’clock position.
4. At the approach of a bicycle get out of the way.
5. Never go more than five or ten paces without checking your sixo’clock position.
6. Before entering the intersection of two sidewalks check for on coming bicycles.
7. Before crossing an intersection check for on coming bicycles both going with the flow of motor vehicles and against the flow.
8. Before crossing an intersection check for bicycles using the crosswalk.