The Sidewalk Rule: Meaning, Origins, and More

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Learn the unwritten etiquette rules behind this popular TikTok trend

Co-authored by Hunter Rising Reviewed by Tami Claytor

Last Updated: May 8, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is the sidewalk rule?

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Is the sidewalk rule chivalrous or sexist?

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Sidewalk Rule Origins

If you’ve only heard about the “sidewalk rule” recently, it’s a common act of chivalry with roots back in the Middle Ages. The sidewalk rule is simply when a guy walks closest to the street to protect a woman from road hazards. While some people see the sidewalk rule as a standard for their relationship, other people may view it as a little old-fashioned. Keep reading to learn what the sidewalk rule means and how women feel about it, plus its surprising origins.

Things You Should Know

The sidewalk rule for a couple is when a man walks on the part of the sidewalk closest to the street when they’re with a woman.
Men follow the sidewalk rule to protect women from any dangers on the street, like a vehicle getting too close to the curb or splashing water.
Some women view the sidewalk rule as a sign of respect and good manners in a relationship. Others may think the sidewalk rule is old-fashioned and overly controlling.

Section 1 of 3:

What is the sidewalk rule?

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The sidewalk rule is when a man walks closest to the street when they’re with a woman. While you may have seen the trend pop up more recently on TikTok, the sidewalk rule is common social etiquette for a guy trying to be a gentleman. When a couple is walking down the road, a guy following the sidewalk rule will stand on the side closer to the street. That way, if a vehicle drives too close to the curb or a puddle splashes up, the guy is there to protect the girl he’s with.^{[1]
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- While most people refer to the sidewalk rule for relationships between a man and a woman, it’s applicable to same-sex couples as well. A partner following the sidewalk rule is simply taking a more protective role.
- People may follow the sidewalk rule outside of romantic relationships as well. You may follow the sidewalk rule when you’re with your children, siblings, or any other person you care about.

Section 2 of 3:

Is the sidewalk rule chivalrous or sexist?

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Many people on TikTok see the sidewalk rule as a "green flag" (or positive sign) and a way for guys to show how much they respect the women they’re with. Some women even use it as a test by purposefully walking closer to the street to see if their partner will move them over.^{[2]
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Some people believe that chivalry on its own perpetuates traditional gender roles that are patronizing or even oppressive.^{[3]
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Section 3 of 3:

How did the sidewalk rule start?

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Men walked closer to the street in medieval times to protect women from sewage splashes. Back in the Middle Ages before plumbing and sewers were invented, roads had open trenches where waste and water ran. To protect women from splashes getting on their clothes or dresses, men would walk closer to the street. The habit stuck around as a sign of chivalry and etiquette.^{[5]
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- Another reason men would walk closer to the street was people emptying their chamber pots from windows on higher stories. The waste was less likely to splash right next to the building, so men would have women walk closer to the wall just in case.