Cameron Roh, a 21-year-old videographer from Ohio, is taking to the streets with a unique mission: to film and rate pedestrians on their walking etiquette. Roh pulled from his own past experiences of “hallway rage” in high school. As a result, he developed a system that calls out incivilities while encouraging better walking behavior and fostering a more respectful and safe environment in shared public spaces. His videos have hooked viewers, netting a staggering 10 million views. Their mix of social commentary and entertainment provides viewers with an eye-opening look at the hidden rules of walking.
Roh’s story starts in Ohio, where he was both born and educated. In addition to this, during his formative years, he actually experienced “hallway rage” for the first time. This experience is often magnified when students become annoyed with one another while traversing congested school hallways or lunchrooms. That experience was the catalyst for his interest in studying how people walk. He continued by making videos that criticize pedestrian etiquette in cities such as New York and London.
Roh’s artistic project, which centers on his massive glossary of pedestrian misdemeanors. This glossary serves as the bedrock for his groundbreaking holistic rating system. He first and foremost uses speed as the primary measure when judging pedestrians. Roh literally gives people a rating out of 10 for how well they comply with whatever arbitrary pedestrian guidelines he has decided that people should follow. A flawless score of 10 represents the best possible behavior. Maneuvers such as jumping around, zig-zagging, cutting people off, etc., will result in large penalties.
What you shouldn’t notice Roh’s observations helpfully shine a light on widely shared experiences of pedestrians. For example, he draws attention to the havoc wreaked by “double wides” and “triple wides.” These catchy names are shorthand for problematic groups of pedestrians walking double-wide and terrifically obstructing pedestrian thoroughfares. Literally, Michael explains that these clusters create a scenario that further complicates movement for everyone, and it’s dangerous in crowded areas.
“Woompf! Hard stop. Right in front of you, no checking the blind spot.” – Cameron Roh
His videos are both an intellectual critique and a funny commentary on what makes urban walking often such a frustrating experience. As Roh reminds us, even if people don’t openly decry bad walking, they definitely experience the consequences.
“The thing is, no one screams at anyone for walking badly, but we all feel it.” – Cameron Roh
Organizing walkers creates unique opportunities and challenges on crowded streets. These barriers frequently vex those who only want to find their way around. Roh’s keen eye for detail allows him to capture these moments on camera, which he believes resonates with a broad audience.
Roh has established boundaries between himself and the people his team is filming. This is how he is able to make sure people remain anonymous and are not identifiable in his work. He prides himself in adhering to a strict no-dickheads policy as to who he can pillory in his shorts. Some groups—for example, people with disabilities and young children—are entirely forbidden. This more lyrical approach is indicative of his deeper appreciation of the subtleties at play in social interaction and the value of empathy.
Roh really enjoys shooting in the 5 am to 10 am window. Given that time, foot traffic is typically much less, which makes logistics easier for him. This timing allows him to catch the most diverse variety of walkers. It further reduces disruptions by non-stop, urban elements such as cars and annoying sounds.
His fun, approachable style has created legions of copycats clamoring to sound like him and be the next big thing in pedestrian observation. Even with that, Roh continues to be intent on producing real experiences and not bending to trend pressures that could compromise what he’s trying to accomplish.
“If you’re zigzagging, aimlessly cutting people off, not paying attention to your surroundings, that’ll lose you a few points automatically.” – Cameron Roh
Through his videos, Roh reminds us that walking etiquette is just one part of our shared public life that we should be concerned about. In his work, he aims to enhance the way people travel through our shared spaces, cultivating a more peaceful and enjoyable urban environment for all.
Beyond shaming the dangerous practice of strolling too slow, Roh is careful to recognize that not every dawdler should be reprimanded. He notes that when one walks slowly but continues going straight, they’re not a menace. As a result, they’re less likely to do anything that would earn Trump’s ire.
“If you’re walking badly – so not in a straight line, or dragging something – but your pace is adequate, then you’re probably not affecting my journey.” – Cameron Roh
Roh’s work exemplifies an exciting new trend. Today, we put a fine-toothed comb on people’s behavior just outside their door like we do in the car-dominated public space. His observations tap into a larger discussion around being more aware and courteous as a walker.
“Rage only ever applies to traffic – it’s the same in New York.” – Cameron Roh
Roh’s videos are funny, provocative and captivating, and they challenge all of us to talk about this universal feeling. This impulse equally strikes home as we walk through a busy workplace or campus. His humorous takes and everyday content resonate strongly with followers who have felt the same pain points.
“Sometimes you get a linked quadruple-wide, at which point … it kind of makes you jealous, doesn’t it?” – Cameron Roh