Comment 94192

By RobF (registered) | Posted November 04, 2013 at 10:40:29

I find the Hamilton approach to pedestrians and crosswalks completely bizarre -- both as a pedestrian and driver. Nothing frustrates me more than the danger of crossing James North at Colborne or Robert in quasi-crosswalks wondering if traffic will even slow-down as i cross (often with a small child). As a driver I try to stop if i see someone waiting to cross, but i always have to check in the rear-view mirror first to make sure no-one is following to closely ... because I've had a few close calls. It seems few other drivers expect you to stop and are surprised, and occasionally pissed-off, when you do.

I've lived in Vancouver and Toronto, and only been in Hamilton for a few years. Never thought twice about who had the right-of-way in these other places ... pay attention to traffic markings and signals, including pedestrian specific ones and you're fine (in downtown Vancouver to ensure motorists can actually make left and right turns, pedestrian walk signals on many streets are delayed at the start of a green-light ... as a pedestrian you take your life in your hands if you try to cross early). Elsewhere in the city the main issue was ensuring you were seen by drivers, and that you were conscious of pedestrians and cyclists while driving. I don't remember the extreme disregard for pedestrians I see regularly in Hamilton being normalized by the city or practiced by most drivers.

Rob.

Comment edited by RobF on 2013-11-04 10:42:38

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