[dylan-m]

This is why it's often safer to "jaywalk". If you're in the middle of a block, you only have to look two ways. Even if you screw up, a driver going at a reasonable speed is more likely to see you anyway because you're directly in front of them. I'm not exactly advocating for crossing in the middle of a street in North America since it's depends a lot on the situation, but there's a reason why people sometimes just do it intuitively, and it's unfortunate our infrastructure doesn't know how to address it.

[pclmulqdq]

Jaywalking is very common in the Northeastern US, and I believe it is generally safer when done well. I have a rule that if you don't feel like you can calmly saunter across the street, you shouldn't jaywalk by running across, but many people do not follow such a rule, and just take the soonest opportunity they can find to run across the street.

Be careful, though - I once jaywalked when I was with some friends from the Midwest and they were very offended.

[jerlam]

California just made jaywalking legal in 2023 too.

[hoherd]

NYC legalized jaywalking in 2024, and the change will take effect next month, Feb 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jaywalking-legalized-in...

[postoplust]

mid-block crosswalks exist[1] and can placed where people already "jaywalk". To me it's like installing sidewalks on the desire paths[2].

[1]: https://sustainablecitycode.org/brief/mid-block-pedestrian-c...

[2]: https://99percentinvisible.org/article/least-resistance-desi...

[Libcat99]

Our town has Installed several crosswalks with flashing lights in common crossing areas away from traffic lights. It feels many times safer.