Matt Bass: New York’s “Bad Pedestrian” Persona

For a few months now, Matt Bass has become a familiar figure among specific New Yorkers, embodying a sort of urban Batman—though his costume consists of a basic black T-shirt, shorts, sunglasses, and a baseball cap worn backward. On social media, he’s dubbed the “bad pedestrian.”

“This is my walking experience,” he shared in a TikTok post. He aims to highlight the quirks of city walking and the behaviors of those who make him feel uncomfortable on the streets.

Usually, he records his observations using an iPhone and wired Apple earphones, which he sees as a somewhat conspicuous setup. “It’s like having a dash cam in your head,” he quipped, capturing the peculiar frustrations he encounters as he navigates the urban landscape.

His videos have become a go-to for New Yorkers who resonate with his experiences. Common culprits include tourists who stop abruptly to snap photos or those distracted by their shopping bags, oblivious to the people around them.

He recalls a day when he witnessed a living statue in Times Square, a moment he regrettably couldn’t film quickly enough. But while he doesn’t confront slow-moving pedestrians directly, he critiques their walking styles from a distance, making amusing observations without coming too close.

He draws comparisons to show hosts like Billy on the Street, reasoning that his commentary, while perhaps critical, isn’t inflammatory. Most of his TikTok followers have welcomed him, with some urging him to keep filming.

“Please don’t stop,” one user commented on a recent video, suggesting that his insights are both entertaining and relatable.

Bass aims to be respectful, stating, “I’m not putting anyone on blast as a bad pedestrian. I’m just sharing my thoughts.” He avoids recording those who ask him not to, prioritizing their privacy over engagement. He recalls an encounter with rude tourists who complained about his filming—a reminder that not everyone appreciates his observational style.

Recently, he’s diversified his filming routes as people have started recognizing him on the streets. While some may find this attention bothersome, Bass claims it has actually improved the quality of pedestrian behavior in his neighborhood.

To enhance his project, he invested in advanced filming gear, including Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses with built-in cameras—though he still relies on his old iPhone for the best audio quality. He prefers the energetic and vibrant dynamics of Manhattan, particularly below 14th Street, saying, “It feels more authentic.”

Bass attributes his urban sensibility to his Long Island roots, embracing the classic, gritty vibe of New York City that he has come to admire over the years. He balances his TikTok endeavors with his work at an e-commerce growth agency, striving to optimize his online presence while enjoying the city’s unique charm.

His friends often question his penchant for walking, but he admits it’s driven more by the joy of discovery than by fitness. “It’s just so amusing to see the strange things people do,” he said, having started daily filming sessions to share these amusing moments with others.

Bass outlines the characteristics of a “good walker,” emphasizing awareness and consideration for others. He advocates for being mindful of one’s surroundings and keeping sidewalks clear, sharing clever terms he’s coined like “scaffolding pig” and “drifter” to describe various walking styles.

Despite facing some negativity online, he often attributes the backlash to “bad pedestrians feeling called out” by his commentary. His content tends to attract people from outside New York, leading to a mix of humorous yet well-intentioned advice. While he’s willing to highlight missteps, he acknowledges that there are also many slower yet considerate pedestrians who deserve recognition.

With countless followers suggesting he branch out to commentate on pedestrian behavior in other cities, Bass remains focused on his local observations for now, with hopes of expanding his reach in the future. If nothing else, he aims to keep conversations around walking etiquette lively and engaging.