Road walking

Thoughts on road walking, collected during a 140 km (87 mi) walk in New Zealand from Wellington to the Wairarapa. The walk took me from urban to rural with sections of backcountry throughout. About 70 km (44 mi) in total was road walking.

Navigating traffic on foot is more dangerous than any exposed ridgeline. Heightened situational awareness is key to survival. These tips are for next time you’re walking between trailheads.

• Do the opposite of what the road rules state. Walk against traffic, with exceptions. If you’re in a country that drives on left side of the road, you walk on the right (and vice versa). Facing the oncoming traffic will give you more time to get out of the way if necessary. Always have an escape route and be prepared to execute a rapid duck and dive.
• Watch your footing. Roads are riddled with hazards such as potholes, kerbs, gutters, drains, and roadkill.
• Don’t become the roadkill you step around. Don’t look at your phone – not even for a second. You might be posting your last status update.
• Don’t wear headphones. Headphones reduce your situational awareness and your ability to hear vehicles approaching from behind.
• Explore textures under foot. Asphalt is monotonous, keep your feet on their toes by mixing up the surfaces you walk on.
• Hydrate or die. The dark and specular surface of asphalt means it holds a lot of heat. That heat will radiate upwards and cook you until crispy.
• Cover up. Roads lack tree cover or shelter and you will be exposed to the elements. Roll down your sleeves, don a hat and sunglasses. Sunglasses will serve double-duty and protect your eyes from dust and debris kicked up by vehicles.
• Use the pole tips for your trekking pole(s), if that’s your thing. With rubber covers, the carbide tips underneath will be protected from the abrasive asphalt. Best keep them sharp for fending off wild animals in the jungle.
• Wave to every car. The ones approaching from behind – even the school bus driver who has seen you several times today. Waving, as a form of non-violent communication, can be disarming. I’ve had a driver approach giving the middle finger, then immediately become friendly after seeing me wave.

Finally, if you’re in a rural area; take the opportunity to practice your farm animals calls. Because with no music, podcasts or Netflix, what are else are you going to do?