Never, Ever Block the Sidewalk
It seems simple: Sidewalks are shared public space, so you can do (almost) whatever you want. But in NYC, sidewalks are more like highways. And absolutely no savvy New Yorker would stop in the middle of one. Not to check a map, not to text, not to take a picture, not to tie a shoe.
The golden rule is to step aside. You can stop near the curb, beside a mailbox, under an awning–literally anywhere but the middle of the sidewalk.
For those walking in a group, never walk shoulder-to-shoulder and block the entire sidewalk. Those in non-compliance risk the dreaded elbow knock, evil eye, or something worse.
