Enjoyable Oddities: Volume 1 - Jaywalking

A Typical German City Crosswalk

     Welcome to "Enjoyable Oddities,"  a series of posts which will follow the fun, and sometimes downright weird little differences which become apparent to me over the course of my time in Leipzig, and Germany as a whole.
     This week's topic is jaywalking.  In many cities in the United States, jaywalking, crossing a street without a traffic signal or crosswalk, is a common part of everyday life.

Notice the missing brake lights?

    A sight like the picture shown on the right is a fact of life for many Americans, and indeed many people all over the world.  Here in Germany, it is a rather different story.  In an effort to set a good example for children (due to the large number of cars and fast moving bicycles on the roadways), as well as too avoid a €5 fine (typically not enforced, much as in American cities), the average German will opt to wait at a light, even when they may be able to cross due to a seemingly clear street.

As seen just every, single day in Germany

     This felt a little bizarre at first, but (at least when I'm not running late for something) the lack of jaywalking is a nice change to see in city streets, because it means both that the little buttons (which are supposed to make the crossing signal come sooner) actual appear to work in Germany, and that foot, city, and streetcar traffic all stay (for the most part) moving at a reasonable pace.  Just remember, that if you decide to cross without a signal here, you had better be ready to run, because that car that is coming isn't stopping for      the world.

For your Amusement:

Know the signals! That means you too, bikers!

Proverb of the Day:

Right of way is a myth.  Just like Bigfoot and right-on-red.

*Source links included for stock images.

**The background music is from a personal music project in progress.
***I apologize for the delay; this post was intended for this past Friday, April 25.