[Flames0910]

I have a five minute walk to work, but have to cross 9th ave at an uncontrolled crosswalk.

Sometimes you can make eye contact with the driver in the first lane of traffic, but generally not all four. It is especially bad after chinooks or snowfalls when drivers can't see the lines and assume they have right of way... I've actually had cars accelerate into me as I cross, which sure gets me moving quickly - and gets them to their destination thirty seconds faster.

You should be in control of your vehicle, and aware of your surroundings. It's not like pedestrians come hurtling out of nowhere trying to throw you off. They're slow, and the potential for somebody to cross at an intersection shouldn't come as a surprise to any drivers.