Walk Faster!

BY: OWEN PHILLIPS

SEPTEMBER 2, 2022

As the new school year began, people became frustrated with the speed at which some students walk in the hallway. This isn’t just a Boonville High School problem. Students across the country have turned to social media to complain about those who hold up traffic during passing periods. What does research show, how do BHS students feel about this issue, and is there a solution?

The New York Times conducted a study on the speed at which people walk and came up with some fascinating results. The research concluded that men walk slower when with a romantic partner, but faster when surrounded by male companions. Not pointing fingers or anything, but I have been held up by a few couples in the hallway this year. The other big point of the study was that people walk slowly when in big groups in hopes of socializing. Again, not to apply blame but it isn’t exactly helpful when you and your friend group of nine walk down the hallway side by side running into everyone, and everything that stands in your way. This is a high school hallway, not a war zone. Save the Phalanx formation for later.

I spoke with two students about this issue. Hudson Nelson (Senior) and Riley Baker (Sophomore); both had some things to say about hallway walking culture. Hudson, a self-identifying fast walker, said that it’s frustrating when people walk slowly in the hallways because he’s,”just trying to get to class.” This is interesting because Riley explained that he walks slowly in the hallways because he’s,”not tryna [sic] get to class anytime soon.” Side by side, these quotes tell a story. Some students ride the gas all the way from Mr. White’s advanced English class to Madame Washburn’s French two class, all while filling up their water bottles, using the restroom, socializing with friends, and snapping their girlfriend back. And, quite frankly, other students simply couldn’t care less.

As far as solutions go, I’m not sure there is one. Riley described that when walking slowly during a passing period he makes sure to stay to the right side of the hall in order to be courteous towards those in a rush. This solution has potential. If slow walkers would stay to the right side of the hallway, then some hallway traffic might be relieved.

A big problem in the hallway traffic jam extravaganza is the intersection of the 200 and 300 hallway. Some students find themselves in a stand still during passing periods at this location. A solution, proposed by many students I’ve spoken with, would be relocating the vending machines somewhere other than the intersection, so that students in line wouldn’t be blocking those trying to get to class. I think this is a solution that the entire student body might support.

It’s important to remember that when walking down the hallway, we must be patient. This is coming from an extremely fast walker. Those that walk slower should be mindful of those that want to get to class and vice versa. At the end of the day, it’s crucial to be empathetic towards those that don’t share the same habits as you. But at the same time, pick up the pace… please.