Here's the footpath problem everyone is ignoring—and seniors like you are at risk

Cassidy McGill’s fiery rant about footpath behaviour has struck a chord across Australia, racking up hundreds of thousands of views.

Pedestrians of all ages have shared the frustration she voiced, revealing just how much courtesy on our footpaths has eroded.

But this isn’t just a gripe about bad manners—it points to a long-forgotten set of rules that were once written into law.

Melbourne and Sydney’s Footpath Laws

Melbourne adopted a 'stick to the left' bylaw for footpaths in 1925, painting directional arrows on footpaths to guide pedestrian traffic.

Those arrows remained visible until the 1970s, gradually fading as awareness of footpath etiquette declined.

Sydney had implemented similar measures even earlier, in 1921, showing that keeping left was once considered essential for urban civility.

The arrows weren’t merely decorative—they recognised a simple truth our great-grandparents understood: following basic rules made footpaths safer and more efficient for everyone.

Modern Australian pedestrian laws focus primarily on road crossing and vehicle interactions, yet some courtesy expectations retain legal backing.

Legal advice recommends pedestrians should 'walk on the left side of the footpath, so others can pass on your right' and 'move into a single file to let others pass.'

Additional guidance states that pedestrians should give extra space to those who are elderly, have children, or possess reduced mobility.

Frustration like McGill’s resonates because many Australians have faced similar challenges, especially older pedestrians or those using mobility aids.

As people age, walking becomes more complex, and footpaths can feel unsafe when basic rules are ignored.

In the year ending 1 July 2023, 168 pedestrians were killed in road accidents, highlighting the vulnerability of footpath users.

Mobility scooters must travel at walking pace, keep left, and give way to pedestrians, yet this relies on others making space and following predictable patterns.

Groups walking side by side or couples refusing to go single file create hazards for slower or mobility-aid users, making courtesy a safety issue.

The rise of smartphones has introduced 'zombie walkers'—distracted pedestrians who fail to notice those around them.

This behaviour can be dangerous, particularly for older Australians who walk more slowly or carefully.

Some cities have acted to curb distractions: Honolulu banned phone use while crossing streets in 2017, permitting it only for emergencies after rising pedestrian casualties.

International approaches vary: LED strips in Dutch and German footpaths mirror traffic lights for phone users, while Chongqing in China has designated 'phone lanes' for distracted pedestrians.

Melbourne’s Lord Mayor even suggested fining footpath rule-breakers, reflecting the widespread frustration Australians feel.

Practical Tips for Safer Walking

Practical strategies help navigate inconsiderate pedestrians: stand your ground safely, make eye contact, use your voice politely, and walk confidently but predictably.

Legal experts stress that walking on the left and giving additional space to vulnerable pedestrians is recommended.

Basic courtesy isn’t about being uptight—it’s about safety and ensuring footpaths work for everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or walking speed.

Perhaps it’s time to bring back footpath arrows—not to impose rules, but to remind everyone that public spaces work best when we show consideration.

Distracted walking has become one of the biggest hazards on footpaths, making it harder for everyone to navigate safely.

Some local leaders are taking action to address this growing problem and ensure footpaths remain safe for all users.

You can explore a real-life example of these efforts in the following story.

Read more: Should we start fining phone users on footpaths? This mayor says yes!

Have you noticed a decline in footpath courtesy over the years, and how do you manage when others ignore basic rules?