Crossing the Street Shouldn't Be Deadly (but it is)
Not Just Bikes・28 minutes read
The video discusses how North American road designs prioritize car speed over pedestrian safety, contrasting with the Netherlands' pedestrian-friendly infrastructure focusing on safety and accessibility. It highlights the history of road safety, the term "jaywalking" created by the automobile industry to benefit cars, and the shift towards sustainable traffic safety in the Netherlands in the 1990s.
Insights
- North American intersections prioritize car traffic flow over pedestrian safety, neglecting the needs of walkers and creating hazardous conditions for crossing streets.
- The term "jaywalking" was coined by the automobile industry to blame pedestrians for accidents, highlighting a historical shift towards prioritizing car speed and convenience over pedestrian safety in urban design.
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Recent questions
How does street design differ between the Netherlands and North America?
In the Netherlands, street design prioritizes pedestrian safety with features like pedestrian scramble intersections, leading pedestrian indicators, and radar detectors adjusting walk signal times based on pedestrian presence. On the other hand, North American intersections primarily focus on car traffic flow, neglecting pedestrian safety. The Netherlands also boasts continuous sidewalks, contrasting with North American designs that often have lengthy crossing distances and prioritize cars over pedestrians.
What is the history behind the term "jaywalking"?
The term "jaywalking" was coined by the automobile industry to shift blame onto pedestrians and clear the way for cars to drive faster. It was not about safety but rather about promoting the speed and efficiency of cars on the road. This term was used to discourage pedestrians from crossing streets outside designated areas and to prioritize car traffic flow over pedestrian safety.
How did public perception of cars change in the early 20th century?
In the early 20th century, the public's perception of cars shifted from fascination to concern about safety and speed. By the 1920s, there was a growing dislike for cars, leading to calls for speed Governors to be installed in cities. Cities imposed high fines and penalties for dangerous driving, resulting in a 12% drop in car sales in 1924. This change in perception reflected a growing awareness of the dangers posed by cars and the need for safer road conditions.
What measures have been taken in San Francisco to enhance public transit and cycling?
In San Francisco, measures have been taken to enhance public transit and cycling by banning private vehicles from Market Street in 2020. This decision was made to prioritize the safety and accessibility of pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users. By restricting private vehicles, the city aims to create a more sustainable and pedestrian-friendly environment that encourages alternative modes of transportation.
How did the Netherlands shift towards sustainable traffic safety in the 1990s?
In the 1990s, the Netherlands made a significant shift towards sustainable traffic safety by focusing on infrastructure improvements. This included implementing features like pedestrian scramble intersections, leading pedestrian indicators, radar detectors at crossings, and continuous sidewalks to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility. By prioritizing sustainable traffic safety measures, the Netherlands aimed to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment for its residents.
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Summary
00:00
"Improving Pedestrian Safety Through Innovative Design"
- The video is sponsored by 880,000 Hours, a nonprofit aiding individuals in finding fulfilling careers at no cost.
- The narrator grew up in London, Ontario, Canada, and has lived in various places in Canada and the United States.
- Crossing streets in the Netherlands is stress-free due to safe street design.
- North American intersections have traffic light systems primarily focused on cars, neglecting pedestrians.
- Right turns on red lights are common in the US and Canada, posing risks to pedestrians.
- Crossing distances in North America are lengthy, with intersections designed to prioritize car traffic flow.
- Leading pedestrian indicators in the Netherlands allow pedestrians a head start before car traffic moves.
- Pedestrian scramble intersections, where all walk signals activate simultaneously, are beneficial for pedestrian safety.
- In the Netherlands, radar detectors at crossings automatically adjust walk signal times based on pedestrian presence.
- Continuous sidewalks in the Netherlands enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, contrasting with North American designs.
15:13
Evolution of Road Safety and Regulations
- In 1908, cars had a top speed of over 70 kmph.
- By the 1920s, the public disliked cars and wanted speed Governors installed in cities.
- Cities imposed high fines and penalties for dangerous driving, leading to a 12% drop in car sales in 1924.
- The term "jaywalking" was invented by the automobile industry to shift blame onto pedestrians.
- Jaywalking was not about safety but about clearing the way for cars to drive faster.
- Market Street in San Francisco restricted people to designated crossing areas in the 1960s.
- San Francisco banned private vehicles from Market Street in 2020 to enhance public transit and cycling.
- In Ontario, Canada, there is no law against mid-block crossing, unlike the US.
- The Netherlands shifted to sustainable traffic safety in the 1990s, focusing on infrastructure improvements.
- American road designs prioritize car speed over pedestrian safety, leading to dangerous crossings.
31:18
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