Frogger
Trip Start
Jul 21, 2008
1
22
Trip End
Aug 28, 2008
Beijing,
China
Saturday, August 23, 2008
It's crossing the street. It's awful and traumatic! I avoid it at ALL COSTS.
In California, the pedestrian is king. (Odd, since "Nobody Walks in L.A."...) California pedestrians merely have to step a toe in an intersection and cars slam on their brakes to yield.
Not here. Not ever. You are crossing an 8 lane street to begin with, and basically, you NEVER have the right of way. That green walk signal? Doesn't mean a thing here. Even if you have the signal to go...you can't be assured it is all clear. Apparently, there is a signal for cars to turn into you at the exact same time. They just honk and go.
So, what to do? Stick with the locals and go when they go. It's hilarious to see all the wide-eyed Westerners watching the Beijingers to see when they choose to walk and then sticking close behind them. Still scary, but I guess there is safety in numbers.
Thank goodness for little old ladies to help you cross the street!
