Walk against traffic so you can see what is coming at you. And when crossing the road remember that traffic is coming from the opposite direction that you are used too in Canada. A lot of people haul ass on the road so you need to be defensive at all times. I have walked up and down the road a lot with no issues, but be alert and all should be fine. There is a corner near the beginning of the West End that has high walls and I will not walk walk thru there. It is too gnarly of an area with it's tightness coupled with some crazy driving. I would start around Xtabi and work your way deeper. A lot of great bars to check out on the West End if you are in to barhopping.