Why Do Pedestrians Have The Right Of Way??

[polak]

Roads should be treated as death traps when there are cars on them. That is what they are.

Maybe if we conditioned our children to give cars the right of way early on then we wouldn't need stupid playgrounds zones either. I remember hearing that Edmonton only has two playground zones in the entire city, I don't know if thats true but a quick google of "playground zones" led me to believe that they are mainly a Calgary thing.

Why? Are our kids ######ed?

Edit: School zones are a whole different beast and I have no problem with those.

[Rudee]

What is the OP smoking????

[Addick]

Originally Posted by AR_Six

Have you ever tried navigating a street in London as a pedestrian? It's a deathtrap. Seriously the motorists have zero concern for whether or not you're going to die. None.

I think a bit of that may have to do with the mindset of those who have yet to adapt to the difference in right-of-way. Whenever friends come to visit me, I'm constantly holding them back at intersections as they have yet to adapt to the pattern and direction of traffic (i.e. I'm jaywalking constantly but always keeping track of the vehicular traffic and the direction in which they are travelling).

Originally Posted by polak

Roads should be treated as death traps when there are cars on them. That is what they are.

I'm sorry but that is an absolutely terrible mentality and any planning done with that mindset is a surefire way to create hostile living environments. Although automobiles are able to travel at tremendous speeds, automobiles, busses, cyclists, pedestrians, and trains must all adapt in order to coexist in a shared environment.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Addick

(i.e. I'm jaywalking constantly but always keeping track of the vehicular traffic and the direction in which they are travelling).

I'm sorry but that is an absolutely terrible mentality and any planning done with that mindset is a surefire way to create hostile living environments. Although automobiles are able to travel at tremendous speeds, automobiles, busses, cyclists, pedestrians, and trains must all adapt in order to coexist in a shared environment.

Your first point speaks exactly to my logic.

When most people jaywalk they do so, bearing in mind that the traffic has the right of way at that time and because of this they are way more attentive to the cars and a lot more catious.

Your second point seems to imply that I'm talking about every crosswalk which I'm not. I'm only speaking to uncontrolled crosswalks. For the most part, these only exist on residential roads where traffic is rare.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by polak

Your second point seems to imply that I'm talking about every crosswalk which I'm not. I'm only speaking to uncontrolled crosswalks. For the most part, these only exist on residential roads where traffic is rare.

From what I understand, the "T" intersection also counts as an intersection and can also be found uncontrolled. I pass two of those on Canyon Meadows drive. Traffic doesn't seem to be all that rare there.

[polak]

Originally Posted by Reaper

From what I understand, the "T" intersection also counts as an intersection and can also be found uncontrolled. I pass two of those on Canyon Meadows drive. Traffic doesn't seem to be all that rare there.

Okay, so for the few instances like this that could become a problem, you throw up those pedestrain lights and it becomes controlled.

Those are rarely a problem anyway because they tend to be on well lit roads and are usually wide (and have a median) so that you have plenty of time to see somebody entering the crosswalk. One example I can think of that is a problem though is the one across 162nd by bridlewood and evergreen. It's dark, it's on a hill and it's super busy. That one needs those pedestrian lights asap.