Walk or Wait?
I’m walking longer these days, and when I don’t drive to walk (which I often do), at some point I must cross a busy, four-lane road. During off hours I might wait for a pause in the traffic, dash across to the median, then wait for another opening to cross the rest of the way.
It’s not what I taught my kids to do, and not something I’m particularly proud of doing. It puts pace before safety. Which is why these days I’m more likely to push the button and wait for the “walk” sign. What a wimp, I tell myself. But a living wimp, so worth the trade-off.
Still, I miss the halcyon days of urban walking. I miss being part of a pedestrian tribe propelling itself from block to block, fidgeting whenever a red light stopped our progress. We were fearless; we had strength in numbers. And sometimes, we walked right through those “wait” signs.
2 thoughts on “Walk or Wait?”
Thanks, Anne. A hearty ‘Yes!’ to being cautious! Just a few days ago there was a hit & run at a large intersection a block or so away from our home: a motorcycle hit a couple who were crossing while the ‘Walk’ signal was on. The motorcyclist barely slowed, and sped off. The lady of the couple died two days later. Her partner has a spine injury.
So even when one is obeying the laws, rules and conventions oneself, others present might not be adhering to the ‘contract’ involved!
Look twice (at least), cross once, pedestrians; too, a similar care applies to vehicle operators. As my English mum says — the phrase adjustable according to age — “Better five minutes late in this life than 50 years early in the next!”
Be safe, all!
So true, Matt, and sorry to hear about the accident near your home. I will keep your mother’s words top of mind. Excellent advice!