Why Hongkongers can’t walk in a straight line: netizen experiment

Hong Kong’s busy and narrow streets demand courtesy among pedestrians, but a recent social experiment has highlighted unusual walking habits among locals.

A netizen recently shared first-person videos filmed while walking through the city streets, capturing footage of pedestrians who often “walk at an angle” rather than in a straight line.

In the videos, people gradually veer from one side of the pavement to the other, causing near collisions with oncoming walkers. The poster expressed bafflement at the behaviour, asking, “Why can’t people just stick to one side while walking?”

The clips quickly sparked discussion online, with many netizens sharing similar experiences. Some commented: “They always drift into your path even if you stay on your side,” and “Some people zig-zag continuously, blocking your way unexpectedly.” Others joked, “You practically need a licence to walk on the streets now.”

Some offered possible explanations, noting that elderly pedestrians’ angled walking may result from physical limitations. One user cited their mother’s experience, saying doctors confirmed it’s common for older people to veer while walking. Another added that even young people with slight muscle imbalances can unintentionally drift sideways.