NewYorkology

#8 is also known as a "Jersey barrier"

Posted by Brian at December 20, 2006 3:01 AM

First of all, the days of vibrant street life are not over. If you live in the city, almost anywhere in the city, and you walk with your eyes and ears open around your neighborhood, after a few weeks you will feel very much a part of the community. Maybe then your list could be narrowed and not include so many ridiculous annoyances.

#3 - should no one go on vacation from the city ever? And if they should, should they only take private automobiles?

#5 - Simply ridiculous. Why should they carry it up the stairway when it is clearly too heavy fo them to carry any other way than on their back. They take up the same space either way, anyway.

#6 - When people walk their dogs on longer leashes in communities, it actually encourages interaction and conversation on the street.

By now it seems to me you either have no idea what a vibrant street life is, or are so hateful of the city that you fail to see it when it smacks you in the face.

#7 - While they shouldn't be so aggressive, maybe you should smile at the baby, say hi, and force them to slow down.

Maybe if you try yourself to be a public character and make the street a better place instead of listing your stupid and commonsensical annoyances on the web, New York's Streets could be even more vibrant than they are.

Keep your eyes open, not shut.

Posted by IheartNY at December 20, 2006 9:44 AM

Regarding #7: I am a Park Slope parent who is guilty of having pushed four-year-olds around in their strollers. My two now-grown children grew up to be city-walkers. Recreational walks with young children are to be encouraged and we did take them. When it comes to day-to-day errands, traveling back and forth to preschool and playdates, however, there is simply not enough time. Young children have much shorter legs than their caregivers, tiring more easily and tend to stop to smell the roses (often). Bear in mind that in most places outside of NYC these little ones would be riding in cars!

Posted by Peggy at December 20, 2006 10:03 AM

Peggy, you are right. I strike that one from my list. Thank you.

Posted by Francis Morrone at December 20, 2006 10:49 AM

You are welcome, Francis.

Posted by Peggy at December 20, 2006 11:49 AM

In place of #7 which has been somewhat rightfully dropped, please consider this glaring omission: The people who stop in the middle of a sidewalk without considering pulling to the side. It's usually to window shop, change direction, or emphasize a point during a cell phone conversation. And every time, it causes a pile-up because, unfortunately, humans don't have brake lights.

Posted by A.G. at December 22, 2006 11:11 AM

Thanks A.G., that one definitely replaces no. 7. But it isn't just that the sudden stoppers should pull to the side, they should quickly glance behind them to see if someone may be right behind. As IheartNY rightfully says above, it is all about walking "with your eyes and ears open."

Posted by Francis Morrone at December 22, 2006 2:13 PM