Originally Posted by Helmet Head
It's a public right-of-way. They have a right to walk where they were walking. It has been said that pedestrians "should" walk on the side opposing traffic, but, so far as I know, that does not remove their right to walk on the right side.
What's the problem? Consider them to be slower traffic, just like motorists must deal with cyclists as slower traffic. You slow down, and pass with a safe margin when it is safe to do so.
The problem is not that they are slower traffic, the problem is that they are 3 side by side.
Leaving the fats aside. Just imagine itīs three cyclists or three moms with their kids, or three guys in a wheelchairs, or three cars going slow.
The fact remains, that they are being inconsiderate by taking the whole road and not stepping aside when someone comes their way. I think itīs a matter of courtesy and not being self centered.
Iīm fat, and I smoke.
If I see my cigarrete smoke is going to bother someone, then I either donīt light it up, or go somewhere else where I donīt bother. In this country I still have the right to smoke where permitted, and others have the right to not being bothered by my smoke. So I deal with it.
If Iīm on an electric stair, the subway, etc.. I have the right to be there. But since Iīm fat and take more space than others, I try to move aside or be very carefull not to obstruct the pass of others, or bump my belly into everyone.
Also I expect others to consider my size and move aside when Iīm going through. We negotiate the space and we should all be happy.
So Pollitcally Correctness aside, I think itīs a matter of common sense, and despite of all the fat jokes (some are pretty good I have to admit).. The OP stating these where obese people, for me it says that these people where two times inconsiderate.
Now, make all the fat jokes you want, I donīt care, Iīll laugh with you, but just come and try to put me in a fitness or smokers camp against my will and we will have a nice party.