It's real simple why I've always gotten on a bike from the left side: Back when I was six, my father taught me to do it that way. Never gave it any further thought until the current thread.
As to wooden shoes: I'll happily back up the comments about their comfort. All you have to do is walk slightly different, which becomes natural within a mile. The comfort secret is a double sock: wear a heavy hunting sock over thin cotton. Been doing 17th century reenactment for the past 20 years, and have two pairs. One for field kit, and a pair for mundane use around the house.
George R. "Syke" Paczolt Montpelier, VA
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