Umbrella Ettiquette 101

Umbrella Ettiquette 101.

If you haven't noticed by now, Vancouver has a lot of rain and unfortunately, that requires you to walk around with an umbrella.  However, this seems to be lost on a certain group of commuters... these commuters, as described by my friend, "People oblivious to their surroundings, huddle under their "shields", head down, eyes to the ground, trudging on like they are the only people on the street".

As a newbie to commuting, I though I would share the ramblings of one man on a mission to change the world one umbrella at a time...  I know, I know... such a noble man, such a noble cause.  Many people just do not have an understanding of proper umbrella ettiquette.  She was suggesting in tonque and cheek fashion that she will start an Umbrella Awareness and Ettiquette Class.

So in preparation, I thought that I would share a few "rules of the sidewalk" that I hope will go a long way in changing people's behaviour...

1.  You have to agree get wet for a few seconds.  I know it is hard to believe, but in cramped thoroughfares it is a requirement (ie. between bus stops, at crossing walks, etc.).

2.  You get wet because the proper ettiquette requires you to "angle" your umbrella at 45 degrees to 90 degrees (towards the outside) so that you can pass effectively.

3.  Or, the alternative method is to raise your umbrella above everyone else's to pass effectively (I think this technique is useful if you are in the top percentiles of height).

My friend personally prefers method #3, but I've personally decided to take my own path and add razor wire to the outside of my umbrella and some poison-tipped curare spikes...  I think I have created a new business idea?  hmm...

Let me know if you have any other ideas... or whether you have a preference for technique or would be interested in buying a razor wire umbrella from me?  lol

ps.  Unfortunately, I am unsure as to what precedent I create in terms of  the "war of escalation"...