In the legendary New York Times, I read another one of those annoying articles dismissive of the real risk of walking alone. Claiming American privilege and self-motivated marching orders, I am stepping up to clarify precisely what walking with others is. In the spirit of Neil Young’s declaration that “there’s more to the picture than meets the eye,” - the mere physicality of putting one foot in front of the other, with companionship, generates benefits beyond a gradual change in location. Aside from the frequently discussed health and emotional wellness gains, walking companionship has become a pathway to safety.
Weathering a New Climate
Neighbors, friends, and sometimes even strangers walk together, rain or shine, in an environment that now necessitates four eyes over two, six over four. Weather has its own demands for us walkers, and we learn early in life to adapt accordingly. But now we are in a criminal climate with risks surpassing the ice patches on Second Avenue. Adapting to these mean streets with the ease of grabbing an umbrella or bundling up is a fantasy. Our very survival is at stake. We know this from the steady stream of random street attacks on innocent pedestrians walking to work, on simple errands, doctor, and other appointments. Though their only intention is getting to point B, a fist, a knife, or spit landing on one’s face are all potential stranger interactions.
The common-sense laws of not showing jewelry, staying out of bad neighborhoods, or coming home by midnight no longer apply. In DC last week, the police urged walkers in all areas and at all times to put their cell phones away, out of sight while on the street. Physical harm and theft are now as common as street closure barricades and the sudden loss of police presence.
Walking Companionship is the New Umbrella
Our on-foot interactive way of life is meaningful and worth preserving. Amazon orders and remote appointments will never wholly replace face-to-face communication. In urban areas, walking is the conduit that makes participation in the community possible. What are our options when something so much a functional necessity also makes us bait for violent criminals? Whenever there is an impasse, the goal is to find a way to maintain the action or item while illuminating or at least mitigating the risks. For those who cannot afford personal security, wield weaponry like Annie Oakley, or morph into Floyd Mayweather at will, our best, practical conclusion is that we are safer when in the company of other people. Based on this practical conclusion, deciding to walk with others rather than alone and do so as often as possible is the logical next step.
Synchronized Anonymous Walkers
Walking in solitude certainly has its place. The beauty of getting lost in one’s thoughts, with only the birds and the hum of the city to serve as a light lullaby, luring us deeper into our own mindful processing, indeed channels Thoreau. But there is no contest of Mindfulness vs. Dodging Assaults. We are once again charged with the goal of maintaining an action or item we want – (walking in solitude) - while eliminating or mitigating the risks. Enter isolated walking companionship – where strangers walk together with the appearance of unity but with only minimal acknowledgment of each other. I’ve coined the phrase – “ Synchronized Anonymous Walkers” (SAW) to describe the unspoken agreement where strangers walk together, acting like they know each other with impromptu conversations about the weather or logistics, yet the unspoken subtext is – this street suddenly feels alarming, no police in sight. I just need to make it to the next block and turn in peace; thanks for understanding as you accept my polite compliment for your coat.