Correct side of footpath for walkers

[martinjr]

Apologies if this question is raised under the incorrect Topic. For fitness purposes I do quite a lot of walking and one thing always puzzles me: which side of the footpath should be regarded as correct for walkers, bearing in mind that in towns, cities etc., there is footpath on either side of the road. I think the rule for walkers in both Ireland and the UK in areas where there happens to be no footpaths is that you walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic. The reason for raising this question is that when I walk on the left hand side of the footpath (the one that is on the left-hand side of the road) I regularly meet walkers coming in the opposite direction but on course to collide with me with the result that one of us has to give way. A similar situation occurs if I walk on the right-hand side of the footpath.Furthermore, a similar situation exists for footpaths on the other side of the road.

I know this question is a little convoluted so if I haven't made myself clear as to what I'm trying to explain just say so and I will try to simplify it.
Thanks, martinjr

[Baldric]

35 really useful rules for you here!

https://www.gov.uk/ru...neral-guidance-1-to-6

[dzug2]

I think I've just lost the will to live.

There isn't a rule to cover this situation and the idea that there should be fills me with dread.

Screammmmmmmm

[furrypusscat]

You walk on the side facing oncoming traffic. That way you can see when traffic is approaching.

[furrypusscat]

http://www.findleys.c..._for_pedestrians.html

[boxtops]

You walk facing oncoming traffic where there is no pavement.

Where there's a pavement, pedestrian traffic is two-way. I have never heard of a one-way pavement.

[ChuckFickens]

The OP isn't asking what side of the road they should walk on, they seem to be asking what side of a pavement they should walk on...

I agree with dzug2's comment..

"I think I've just lost the will to live."

[wardlaw]

If there is no footpath walk on the right to face oncoming traffic.

[doctordb]

Walk on the wild side.

[Old_Geezer]

You have made the question too complicated as you seem at one moment to be concerned with which side of the road when there is no footpath, but reading further it seems the real crux of your question is nothing to do with this, but about which side of the pavement you should pass folk approaching you from the way you are going.

I think the best tactic for you to adopt is for you and other people walking the same direction as you to be in the middle, and anyone who finds themselves walking towards you in the opposite direction to pass on both side, preferably at the same time in a quantum manner. That solves everything.

And yes, there ought to be a law.

[boxtops]

as chuck says, people are missing the point. The OP wants pavements to be one way only, he's not asking about roads with no pavement.

[Mamyalynne]

Pedestrian lights are the answer.

[doctordb]

Walk this way!

[joko]

there is no law about it - you will not get into troube - but common sense tells you its safer to walk facing traffic, just in case one gets a bit close or swerves.