4.3. When moving along sidewalks and pedestrian paths, pedestrians must keep to:
UAРухаючись тротуарами і пішохідними доріжками, пішоходи повинні дотримуватись:
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine concerns pedestrian safety and the organization of pedestrian flows in areas specifically designated for walking. Adhering to a uniform principle of movement on sidewalks and pedestrian paths reduces the risk of collisions, sudden "maneuvers" towards each other, and injuries, especially in narrow sections or near stops and crossings.
For the theoretical exam, this question tests knowledge of the section of the Traffic Rules regarding the duties and order of pedestrian movement, in particular the requirement of point 4.1: on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, one must keep to the right side. This is also consistent with the general principle of right-hand traffic established in the Traffic Rules, which allows oncoming pedestrians to pass each other predictably and without conflict.
The option with the right side is correct because it is directly stipulated by the traffic rules for sidewalks and pedestrian paths. The left side in this context does not meet the requirement of point 4.1 and creates chaos in oncoming movement, while the approach of "as convenient" contradicts the very idea of organized movement and increases the risk of dangerous situations. It is also important to remember the distinction: when there is no sidewalk and a pedestrian is forced to walk along the edge of the roadway, a different rule applies (walk facing the traffic flow), but that is a different situation, not about sidewalks.
Clause 4.1
Pedestrians must move along sidewalks and pedestrian paths, keeping to the right side. If there are no sidewalks or pedestrian paths, or it is impossible to use them, pedestrians may move along bicycle paths without obstructing bicycle traffic, or in a single file along the shoulder, keeping as far to the right as possible, and if there is no shoulder or it is impossible to use it — along the edge of the carriageway facing oncoming traffic.
Brief application: the very first sentence of this clause directly establishes the requirement for pedestrians on sidewalks and pedestrian paths — to move, keeping to the right side.
Clause 1.2
Right-hand traffic for vehicles is established in Ukraine.
Brief application: this is a general principle of traffic organization, which is consistent with the requirement for pedestrians on sidewalks/pedestrian paths to keep to the right side (for orderly oncoming flow separation).
Clause 1.10 (term “Sidewalk”)
Sidewalk — an element of the road intended for pedestrian movement, which adjoins the carriageway or is separated from it by a lawn.
Brief application: clarifies what is considered a sidewalk as the main place for pedestrian movement, for which the requirement of clause 4.1 to keep to the right side applies.
Clause 1.10 (term “Pedestrian path”)
Pedestrian path — a paved path intended for pedestrian movement, constructed separately from the carriageway.
Brief application: defines the object directly referred to in the question, and on which, according to clause 4.1, pedestrians must keep to the right side.
Thus, the correct answer is "Right side.", given that according to the definition of the Traffic Rules, pedestrians on sidewalks and pedestrian paths are required to move keeping to the right side (clause 4.1), which is consistent with the general principle of right-hand traffic (clause 1.2).
When a pedestrian moves along a sidewalk or pedestrian path, they are a full participant in road traffic and must act according to the general principle of right-hand traffic. That is why the Traffic Rules establish a simple rule: on the sidewalk and pedestrian path, you should keep to the right side.
This rule is necessary for the orderly and safe movement of pedestrians. If people walking towards each other keep to the right, they do not have to "change lanes," do not create crowding, and can pass each other more easily, especially in narrow sections of the sidewalk, near entrances, stops, or crossings. In other words, the right side works as a clear "corridor of movement" for everyone.
For example, you are walking along the sidewalk to a stop, and another person is coming towards you. If both keep to the right side, you will pass each other without stopping and without risk of collision. If someone is walking on the "wrong" side, misunderstandings, sudden maneuvers, and sometimes even injuries can occur, especially when people are carrying bags or moving quickly.
It is important not to confuse this with the situation when there is no sidewalk and a pedestrian is forced to walk along the edge of the roadway: a different safety rule applies there (walking against the flow of traffic). But within the scope of the question, it is specifically about sidewalks and pedestrian paths, where the requirement is unambiguous.
Therefore, the correct answer is "The right side," since when moving along sidewalks and pedestrian paths, pedestrians must keep to the right side to ensure orderly and safe two-way movement.