Correctly Using Sidewalks and Cross-Walks

Rarely do I get on a soapbox. It's just not my thing, but this one time...

It's something that's bothering me. sidewalks and cross-walks are created for a purpose. Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians to walk on. When crossing a street or road, cross-walks are the designated and legal way to cross a street safely (if done properly). Makes sense, right?

Apparently, not every human got the memo. Over the past few months (including Wintertime), several of my co-workers, friends, relatives and I have noticed pedestrians using the road to walk in, right next to a perfectly aligned sidewalk. I understand that in the Winter, at times some portion of area sidewalks have not been cleared after a snowstorm, or it's too icy to walk on, so some people choose to walk in the road. It's not legal, and it's dangerous, especially at night. I've heard of some near misses during a snowstorm between a vehicle and pedestrian walking in the road.

As for cross-walks, even I have had people step off the curb outside of a cross-walk and attempt to get across the street in front of me., even though they see me coming! That's also dangerous, and it's called 'Jaywalking.' That is illegal. Yes, I have done it, but I don't try to beat an oncoming vehicle.

Next, know what side of the street to ride your bicycle. I've seen too many times. riders going the wrong way. The correct way is to ride with traffic,not against it. And stay off the sidewalks. They are for pedestrians, not bicycles.

Rant is done. The moral of this story is, be safe, use the sidewalks and cross-walks. Don't try to beat oncoming traffic, because it's dangerous. that is all.