Left and Right

As I'm sure you already know, the English drive on the LEFT (or wrong!) side of the road, while every other European country drives on the RIGHT (or correct!) side of the road. This major difference leads to some major confusion to not only tourists, but the English themselves!

So, the English drive on the left side of the road, but which side of the sidewalk/stairs/escalators do they walk/ride? Left, right? Why not be continue the oddity throughout all forms of transportation. No, that would be too easy. Instead, pedestrians on the sidewalk typically walk on the LEFT side of the road (of course, those are the English pedestrians.. the tourists are all over the place, trying to dodge the other Americans on the right or keep right to fit in with the English). On the escalators, big signs are posted to "KEEP RIGHT!" Why? Why not keep left and pass on the right, keep with the road laws? Same goes with the stairs!

Just to clear up the confusion:

Drive: LEFT

Walk on sidewalks: LEFT

Escalators: RIGHT

Stairs: RIGHT

Also, there must have been some major walkers vs. cars incidents because where the sidewalks intersect with the roads, pedestrians are reminded (with HUGE white letters written on the road) which way to look before crossing.. The road reads either "LOOK LEFT!" or "LOOK RIGHT!"In this case, look both ways before you cross the street does not apply!

While this may not seem like a big deal, I am here to tell you differently. It is extremely frustrating constantly running into people on the sidewalk in an already busy city. Also, it's so dangerous to look the wrong way when crossing the street! Please England, make up your mind, take a stand - are you on the LEFT or RIGHT?