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Jaywalking in Boston - OT (was Musings on LA)
In article , Kreisleriana wrote: On Thu, 1 Apr 2004 12:36:41 -0500, "Suzanne Thompson" yodeled: "Kreisleriana" wrote in message . .. On Thu, 01 Apr 2004 04:00:06 GMT, yodeled: "Magic Mood Jeep" wrote: There was a cross walk there (I might add that this was at the bottom of a huge hill), so I decided to wait for a break in traffic to cross. A gentleman joined me in the wait (though we didn't speak), and after a couple of minutes, ALL FOUR LANES (2 lanes in either direction) OF TRAFFIC ****STOPPED**** to let ****2**** people cross the street!!!!! I was flabbergasted/stunned/shocked!!!! Here in Bloomington (with the Indiana University campus nearby) even if you cross at a cross-walk, stop light or stop sign or not, you're risking it!!!! I think people on the west coast obey traffic laws a little better, and I have no idea why. This includes pedestrians. I'm from Boston, where nobody ever obeys a traffic law. The first time I went to Seattle, I too was flabbergasted, at the way people *actually waited* for the walk light before crossing, even when there was no traffic on the road. The way that San Francisco drivers behave at 4-way stop signs amazed me at first - each person taking their turn, around the interesection, like a little dance. In Massachusetts, a 4-way stop is often the hub of a 4-way DEADLOCK, because everyone tries to get into the intersection at the same time. I'm not sure I could successfully drive in Boston anymore, I've gone soft from local drivers who actually obey the rules. Joyce (OK, I admit it, I've broken a traffic law or two in my life. ) I think it's because traffic laws-- INCLUDING jaywalking laws-- are actually enforced out there. In NYC, crossing the street is a competitive sport. The last person got a summons for jaywalking in 1642. Of course, we also have people regularly getting mowed down at intersections. Theresa alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/ Delurking to add that I'm a Bostonian who once got a jaywalking ticket at the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets. I was going to keep the ticket, but they kept hounding me for the $1 fine so I finally paid up and had to surrender it. I was in high school at the time, so I didn't want any trouble. Wow. On the rare occasion that a driver stops for a pedestrian here it's usually someone in one lane of a two-lane road and the driver in the second lane has no intention of stopping. Warning for tourists heading to Boston: I took driving lessons from a reputable company and when people started crossing the street against the light the instructor said to me, "Step on the gas, they'll jump out of the way." Really. Has anybody out there seen "Wild in the Streets: The Boston Driver's Handbook"? It's very funny (and mostly true). How's the Big Dig coming? Almost done? Yes for the most part, but in July we have the Democratic Party Convention. Major rd shutdowns plus the North Station which transports 40,000 daily. Suz Macmoosette Thank Heavens There's Only One =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= Waiting for inspiration. Please hold while I contemplate my navel. |\__/| (=':'=) (")_(") |
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In article , Kreisleriana wrote: Yes for the most part, but in July we have the Democratic Party Convention. Major rd shutdowns plus the North Station which transports 40,000 daily. Suz We have the Republicans. They are talking about closing down virtually every way of getting anywhere while the President is in town. Luckily its after the 4th (of july) can you imagine the outcry it would cause if traffic & transport was stopped/slowed then. Suz Macmoosette Thank Heavens There's Only One =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= =^..^= Waiting for inspiration. Please hold while I contemplate my navel. |\__/| (=':'=) (")_(") |
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