Reverse Power Hierarchies make for Safer Streets

Reverse Power Hierarchies make for Safer Streets The more power and size you have, the more you should defer and be respectful to those smaller and less powerful than yourself. The 21st Century, and perhaps most of human history sadly disagrees with me. As I was out walking recently a motorbike rider – an L plater no less – decided to rev their engine at me for having the temerity to continue walking on the footpath instead of stopping for them as they attempted to access a shopping strip by driving across that footpath. Ironically this same rider is highly likely to suffer from a similar expression of power – often with fatal consequences – as they battle with cars and trucks for their safety on a busy road. Yet when given the opportunity to be patient and respectful to those in a less powerful position they too chose to be the bully. I once saw a great cartoon which illustrated how little public space is given over to people, portraying streets as great canyons highlighting the risk…