Anyone else noticed a big increase in outdoor phonecalls?

[Makeitgoaway]

I mostly run in the woods, as I have done regularly for the last 15 years.

Since the restrictions there has been a big increase in people out for a stroll, as you'd expect. Mostly it's not an issue, if we are heading towards each other we all move to the edge of the path, if I'm coming from behind I make some additional noise and they'll usually move over.

However, I have noticed a lot of people who are oblivious to their surroundings because they're chatting on the phone. Strolling in the middle of the footpath and not aware that I am there.

Is it a safe assumption that they have all had to leave the house to make a phone call to their OW/OM? I can't see any other reason for so many people suddenly needing to make lengthy outdoor phonecalls.

I've stopped noticing it but doesn't everyone talk on the phone the whole time they are out? It certainly seemed that way at one time.

Twice now, I have been walking and forced to move off the path for the runner who is tearing up behind me. On narrow paths, I think it's enormously inconsiderate to run along them, possibly shedding virus as you go.

Wider paths when there's lots of people waking across the width, I think you should slow to a walk and ask to pass and then start running again.

We all have to make concessions at the moment.

I've stopped noticing it but doesn't everyone talk on the phone the whole time they are out? It certainly seemed that way at one time.

Not on woodland or countryside paths where walking without due care and attention is liable to find you flat on your face or walking into a branch.

If you're in the countryside, unless you've some particular need to talk away from your household, try listening to the birds etc.

No, I think when mobiles were first widely used there were a lot of outdoor phonecalĺs it now, they're not actually used for phone calls that much. Still lots of distracted texting/scrolling whilst walking but not calĺs, which is why it stands out as something new to me.

And yes, I have noticed it more too when I'm out walking. Maybe people are talking more on the phone more than they used to because they can't do it face to face?

In addition to seeing my parents at least once a week I call them a couple of times a week usually in the car coming home from work or on my way shopping, I now make those calls whilst I'm walking.

Oh and "extra noise" so I can jump out of your way really fucks me off. Why are you more important ? Say "excuse me please" if it appears the person hasn't heard you approach and you'll probably get a better response.

Same as cyclists riding on a pavement or footpath who ring their bell.

I guess that just proves you can't please everyone Rolla, I make some noise so they know I'm there. Most people then naturally move aside. Shouting out to "instruct" them to move seems ruder to me but of course I'll say excuse me if the first tactic doesn't work.

Ringing of a bike bell seems more aggressive to me than letting someone know you're there in some gentler way, but you prefer that?

We have been encouraged to keep in contact with our friends via phone calls and FaceTime. I have zero privacy at home right now with my kids and family around. I’ve already lost being able to sit and chat with my friends over coffee, like fuck do I want my kids and partner sitting around listening into my private conversations.

Oh god, this is really bugging me at the moment! Out walking with with my son, luckily we are rural so plenty of space and it is quiet.
We are ALWAYS the ones to move away from runners and cyclists! Obviously we do this because someone has to, but why the fuck can't the runner or cyclist fucking move even once?! It's village lanes by the way, not assigned cycle path/running tracks.
I just think you're a rude fucker, especially if you "make additional noise" to get me to move. You fucking move for once, you entitled cow!l That felt so good saying that.

I always move Inspiralcarpetry. The problem with remaining 2m apart while on most footpaths is it requires both people to move, you cant stay in the middle of the footpath. I really don't understand why stepping c. 1m to the side is such a big issue for so many people. I do it habitually during runs, COVID or not, but if you want me to stay 2m from you, you're going to have to co-opperate.

You fucking move for once
Another person who CBA to RTFT or comprehend what was actually said.

Some paths require everyone to move to opposite sides of a path.

I comprehend perfectly well, thanks. I always move, but the issue is runners/cyclists heading directly towards you and if you didn't move, they would brush right against you. These are paths and village lanes 15ft wide, which is why I find it rude that there is the expectation that they won't move, you must, because they have decided to run/cycle almost 'at you'. Despite there being heaps of space if both parties were polite.
You really got me irritated verbalising what some people clearly feel, which is move out of my way.

The original point about using phones out walking is interesting and I agree that when on the phone, people do sometimes forget their surroundings. Someone taking a call should step aside and stand still, that is also basic etiquette.

The think i noticed is how many people have dogs and bikes.I have never seen so many in all my life.

Where I walk the path is only 1m wide. Who moves then?

I have to go out on my way to the shop to call my dm mostly to slag off dp who is increasingly difficult to be locked away with.