Tbilisi "Pawns"

All of the sidewalks here have some sort of barrier street side, meant to protect pedestrians. The black ones remind me of chess pawns. Chess is a game of strategic moves. About my fourth day here, I learned something important these pawns. 

If you are walking downhill, crossing the street, not paying attention because you are busy looking elsewhere and talking to someone in front of you, one of these pawns just might catch the inside of your knee. The protector could turn lethal if you are not able to successively do the windmill dance to catch your balance and keep from taking a tumble...

Fortunately, that day, I was able to do all of the arm motions and fancy footwork to keep from face planting. Since then I have been on guard against the power of the pawn. One and done of that experience is more than enough for me. 

I wonder if that is why Deborah grabs my arm and tucks it in hers every time we cross the street now? I've assumed it was the uneven cobblestones, but now I am having second thoughts.