[LPT Request] How to stop myself from being shoved around in crowded places?

Official Manhattanite subway rush hour expert here. I have to transfer from the 1 at 42nd Street Times Square to the Grand Central Shuttle every weekday. That might not mean much to anyone outside of New York City, but for those who have experienced it, you know it is a crazy busy. Most of the advice given here is bullshit. Everyone here has a confident stare and walks with purpose, but none of that has anything to do with avoiding pedestrian collisions.

Tip 1: Walk like you drive. People tend to walk on the right side of a passageway by nature, just like they were driving. Oncoming traffic is on your left. This may be the opposite in England, I don't know. But if you're walking on the left hand side of a busy corridor, you'll probably be bumped into. Walk at the speed of the traffic, not slower. If you have to get around someone, pass them, but then get back over towards the right.

Tip 2: Watch the feet. New Yorkers in busy places may look anti-social because they have their heads down. In reality we're looking at people's feet and plotting our own path. If you're on a collision course with someone and watching feet, you'll be able to make small adjustments to your path or speed to avoid it long before it's going to turn into a collision. And since you can see everyone else's feet, you won't correct right into another pedestrian.

Tip 3: Keep small: Turn your shoulders in the direction you're moving to reduce your profile in very crowded places. Stop swinging your arms and bring them into your side. Put bags you're carrying in front of your body. This isn't necessary all the time, but when there's a lot of traffic you can make it through the heavy parts quickly and easily if you make yourself as skinny as possible.

Tip 4: Keep walking: If it's crowded and people are walking, do not stop walking. In the same way you wouldn't stop your car in the middle of an interstate to take a selfie, you shouldn't stop in pedestrian traffic to do the same (looking at you, tourists. . . ) If you need to stop for some reason, go all the way to side of the walkway like you're pulling off to the shoulder. Then tie your shoelace or adjust your hat or whatever. If you stop with people behind you in a crowded place, you're going to get run over.

/r/LifeProTips Thread