Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A few observations and tips on walking in Portland

White lines are not the same as a walk signal. Wait until a driver takes the initiative to slow down and stop for you to cross; repeat for the opposite direction, then cross. Drivers are required to stop for your right of way at a white line crosswalk only if they can do so safely. You are even more likely to be honked at, cause an accident, get injured, or be killed if you expect drivers to immediately stop for you.

When approaching an intersection where a driver is stopped waiting to make a turn, cross behind the car. More often than not the driver is not looking in your direction and will continue to not look in your direction (which also happens do be the direction they are turning) as they advance into the cross street.

Cyclist, though they often get a bad rap (sometimes deservedly) from the uninitiated, ignorant, and prejudiced, are especially tricky to anticipate. Just assume that there is a cyclist zooming down every cross street that you attempt to cross. You can't hear them coming as you would a car. They can't see you very well as they would a car. Therefor, each is effectively invisible and inaudible to the other.

These are just a few of the things I've observed and adapted to as an avid and purposeful pedestrian. A good broad rule of thumb is to assume that you are invisible to everyone else on the streets; other pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, pets, children, etc. Act and react accordingly.

1 comment:

  1. Hi Sam. Not sure if you'll read this but was wondering if you were the same Sam Artman who had some photography displayed awhile ago at the Goodfoot? If so is there anyway I can get my hands on a print of yours by the name of "Poster Grave"? I loved it when I saw it but it had already sold. Email is ssullivan81@gmail.com. Name is Sean. Thanks and sorry I couldn't figure out a better way to get in touch.

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