Why is it that people almost always stand next to something when waiting on a sidewalk or in any public place? Waiting for a bus, or even for a traffic light, pedestrians will stand next to a light pole, a newsrack, or just about anything. No matter how insubstantial. And they don’t seem to want to stand by something someone else is using, but will if that’s all that’s available.
Something about a feeling of security, I’d guess.
We’re wierd, aren’t we? 
Peace,
mangeorge
i dont like standing near a garbage can
I have no idea what the OP is talking about. When was the last time you saw a street corner that didn’t have something on it that you naturally would have to stand next to while waiting to cross?
Plus, I’ve seen plenty of people in Sproul Plaza who stand next to nothing…
I like to have something to lean on, if its gong to be a long wait.
I’m with Khadaji. I’m lazy, if I stand next to something I can lean against it and give at least one leg a little bit of rest. Plus there is a bit of a security thing, it’s nice having something I can put my back to - same reason I try to sit by a wall or in a corner in restaurants.