Now is an outstanding time to clear up what “six feet” looks like out in the wild. You know, the minimum space we’re supposed to keep between us in the age of COVID-19.
Six Feet
Here are a few things that are about six feet (aka 6’, 1.8288m, 72” etc.).
Do you know what’s not six feet? Sidewalks. Most sidewalks are 36” wide. Since 36” is 3’, that means that if you’re out and passing someone on a sidewalk, you sure as hell aren’t going to be six feet apart.
Hardly ever 6’. More like half that.
A quick idea on how to handle social distancing and walking, jogging, and running: If you need to pass, the person facing traffic takes one for the team and walks in the street for a bit.
This practice is in line with the pedestrian safety guidelines from NHTSA. Which you should read as well, especially the bit about making eye contact with drivers.
The person who kept the sidewalk shows some reciprocal courtesy by going to the far side of the sidewalk.
Easy. But, as good as this plan sounds, it’s not going to work without a pinch of attentiveness.
Socially Distant, But More Aware Than Ever
Just about all of us are under shelter in place orders. You’ve got plenty of time to stare at your phone—inside. How about, for the duration, when you’re outside, put the phone away and pay attention?
When we’re outside, we’re all in it together.
Years ago, Laura and I took a self-defense class together. Organized and led by the folks at NC Systema, much of the course focused on “awareness.” The idea that being aware of your surroundings allows you to avoid a lot of situations.
Same thing with driving on track. Situational awareness allows you to anticipate scenarios and steer clear of them before they become issues.
Today that same care needs to be taken when you’re out walking the dog, going for a run, or pedaling your bike.
Gia Kourlas, the dance critic at The New York Times, puts it better than I could hope to:
Now the choreography of the streets has taken on higher stakes. It’s the difference between health and sickness, life and death. Inside we’re alone. Outside, a new alertness is in order, one that demands a deep connection to the position and movement of the body — or proprioception, sometimes referred to as the sixth sense.
The whole article, “How We Use Our Bodies to Navigate a Pandemic” is a solid read. But you don’t have to go full M. Night to make a difference—just a bit more awareness can make a world of difference.
Going the Distance
Six feet is the minimum; we all need to be going for extra credit.
So here area few things that are more than six feet.
Things are weird and they're probably going to be weird for a while longer. Getting outside is critical for physical and mental health. Be just a little more aware of your surroundings when you're out and about. Here's to a little more breathing room.