Non-social obstacles.

Just before I took this photo someone who was busy on his smartphone ran right into the fence. I LOL'd.

There are also non-social obstacles, mostly the physical obstacles such as signs (construction, advertisements, etc), tables from a restaurant, dog poo, vomit and discarded items (clothing, furniture, etc.).

This adds to the complexity when compounded by social objects (see below). What is the best route between the static non-social obstacle and the moving and/or non-moving social obstacles? Planning (looking) ahead say in 3 obstacles ahead can provide the time to figure out the best tactic.

Social obstacles

When one tries to get from point A to point B in the most efficient route, sometimes there are people you know or encounter that can prevent your progress:
STRANGERS
 *The homeless.
   Example: Sitting on a milk crate at an intersection with the proverbial frying plan. (e.g. Walgreens on Montgomery and Mission).
*Follower/persistent begger.
*Asking for something:
   *Directions.
   *Cigarettes.
   *Selling CDs.
   *Fucking NPO cronies.
FAMILIAR
*Acquaintance.
*Co-worker.
*Old friend.
*New friend.
*Visit the same Starbucks, local  bookstore, ., etc.
*Retail.

(image source: some free image. I swear.)

Pedestrian rules should imitate motor vehicle rules.

For the sake of consistency and to make life easier, I think the best way to handle pedestrian traffic is to follow motor vehicle rules. Some examples:

*Walk on the right side of the lane. This seems to be the most obvious one but is it as obvious to British, Japanese, Hong Kong, etc. tourists? Either way you should respect the law of the country you are in. :P
*Pass to the left.
   *Slow cars move to the right.
*Changing lanes or moving to your left/right. Look over your shoulder before changing "lanes."
*Do not brake or turn suddenly.

(image source: I forgot the link.)

Crosswalk American football.

I asked a written permission with the NFL to use this bad ass photo of Frank Gore but never received a reply so I claim fair use for non-profit.

A game where you are at a crosswalk and have a team of other pedestrians on your side who agree to approach it as a simplified football game (those who don't participate can be neutral obstacles). For example, a running back who gets the ball and runs (as opposed to a pass) must rely on the line backers (the big guys at the line) to create a lane for him to run through.



Countdown timer.

The different types of players (quarterback, running back, forward, goalie, etc.)

Mostly business types in the financial district (the place for most conflicts).
*Suits.
*Business casuals.
*Hipsters.
*Executives.

Supporting cast
*Crazies.
*Homeless.
*Bicycle messengers.
* Razorers and skateboarders (and fuckers who ride their bicycles on the sidewalk).
*The Seniors (slow, confused).
*The fashionable.
*The geeks (over thinkers).
*The caterers (very rare).
* The tourists (random change of direction. sudden stops (take pictures). Asking for directions in the wrong language (or if correct, bonus points).
   * Germany
   *Japan
   * France
   * London
   * Koreans (art students in SF).
TYPES OF CROSSWALKS.

Different signaling configurations.
Regional typical.
Crosswalk patterns and colors.
Cones.
Cars.
  * Emergency vehicles.
       * Police cars.
       * Fire trucks.
       * Ambulances.
   *Assholes drivers.
       *Right turn on a red.
       *Left turn at past the yellow light.
       *Lane violator.
       *Cursers.
       *Stopping in the crosswalk.
       *Hummers.
       *On the cellphone.
       *The clueless/lost.