We already covered the abundant danger in nature, and there isn’t much more to navigating streets safely that isn’t included in that post. Nonetheless, here are some tips for making your street wandering more comfortable and probably safer:

NOT GETTING LOST: Not familiar with the area? Figure out what the main corridors are north/south and east/west. If you have a general idea of where you are, it matters less which side street you’re on if you know which major roads you’re mostly moving between. Before heading out, look at a Google map that shows a few landmarks at the edge of the area you plan to go. This works out better than constantly staring at your phone.

NOT TRIPPING AND SLIPPING: Tripping hazards may be more prevalent in the manufactured landscape than in the Great(ish) Outdoors. You might encounter inches of metal protruding from the sidewalk where signs were knocked over and never fully removed. Not all intersections have ramps, and curb heights can vary. Potholes and broken asphalt can pose problems for those on foot. Piles of acorns can be slippery. Metal grates can trip, and when wet, threaten to take you right down. There’s a metal utility (or something?) cover in my neighborhood near a mulberry tree. Every year the berries drop on the metal and create an unbelievably slippery surface. Another hazard you might not think of: certain crosswalks when wet. There is special paint that is supposed to be used, and for the most part, that is what you will find. Every so often, there is an intersection with the wrong paint. It’s hard to detect by looking at it, but your feet might tell you. Prevent falls by not being overly engrossed in your phone or conversation or own thoughts. In other words, pay attention to where you are walking. If you notice a hazard, report it to 311.

NOT GETTING JABBED: Same as above, just pay attention. Sometimes chain link fences tip into the street. Occasionally there’s nearly hidden barbed wire. Uncapped syringes might be hiding below leaves or in the vegetation. I make it a point to not walk through those leaf piles or overgrown vegetation unless I have sturdy boots on.

NOT GETTING YOUR BOUNDARIES TRAMPLED ON: Look, you don’t have to be rude, but there is nothing that requires you to talk with strangers either. If someone seems sketchy, I’ll generally ignore them or walk in another direction if necessary. If they persist I will unapologetically tell them to back off. That has happened very, very rarely and I have never felt the need to call the police. I should add that “seems sketchy” does not mean someone has asked me for money. My feelings on panhandling are this: I do not give cash, ever. Instead I will direct people to food pantries, shelters, and other services that can provide them with real assistance. Being asked for money is not inherently threatening and I don’t see any need to treat it as such or call the police.  This is not to say there are no situations when calling the cops would be justified, only that in my years of wandering around Hartford, there actually are not crimes happening left and right, or rather, not stranger-on-stranger violent crimes.

NOT GETTING SMACKED BY A CAR: This is the true challenge of exploring Hartford, and unfortunately, as careful as you might be, there are no guarantees of your safety. What has helped me to stay alive so far: (1) Assume that everyone behind the wheel/handlebars is distracted or sleep deprived or under the influence. Assume this even if you are wearing neon colors and a disco ball– a driver won’t see you wearing that if he is not even looking in your direction. Assume this even if the vehicle is a police car. Even if you have the right of way, assume that unless a driver has come to a complete (not rolling) stop, that they are not planning to stop.  (2) Look both ways, twice…even if you are crossing a one-way street. I live on a one-way street. There’s always a few morons every week who either don’t think the rules apply to them or their GPS just gave them really bad directions and they didn’t realize until after they turned because they were not as attentive to street signs as they should be. (3) Be patient. If you’re just meandering, you’re not on your way to work. You’re not having to run to catch a bus. You have the luxury of time. Take a few moments to look around while waiting for a safe break in traffic. Sometimes there are stickers on the pedestrian beg buttons to look at. The long and short of it is that even if I am not killed, even if I am not seriously hurt, getting hit by a car is going to fuck up my day and I don’t need that in my life.