Lately, all the rage has been road rage with the recent exception of the (ok my) movie theatre seat hoarder incident. Much has been written by many including myself regarding road rage. Just when you think you may be out of the woods, rage wise, along comes another form.
Sidewalk rage is the latest in a long line of episodes of unwarranted anger. I.E.D., Intermittent Explosive Disorder, is a psychiatric condition tied to sidewalk rage. (I’m not kidding; and here I thought I.E.D. was an improvised explosive device) The National Institute of Mental Health claims those afflicted "may attack others and their possessions, causing bodily injury and property damage." And there you have it. Contrary to popular belief, walking may be hazardous to your health.
I’ve been known to overreact to slow walkers holding hands and taking up the entire sidewalk. When you’re in a hurry something like this can be very frustrating. The holding hands part can be downright grounds for swatting them with your purse. I used to get a kick out of “Sex in the City” (for many reasons.) There always seemed to be enough room on the busy sidewalks of Manhattan for Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha to walk around four abreast, carry on a conversation and never once bump into another pedestrian or step over a sleeping vagrant; TV magic. In fact, in crowded cities like New York, (Toronto) with loads of pedestrians (Yonge St) sidewalk rage is very common. What’s worse is walking behind a sauntering pedestrian sucking on a cigarette; slow and stupid.
In England, where slow walkers abound, merchants would like nothing more than to see slow walkers fined. Business owners in central London are suggesting two lanes; one for slow walkers and the other for faster walkers. I am sensing a runner’s revolt in the works.
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