[boy3365]

Originally Posted by OpinionInOcala

People walk out into or simply stand in the road either carelessly or aggressively throughout the state all of the time. It's almost a third-world style cultural practice that I'm just never going to acclimate to. No consideration for oncoming traffic whatsoever, and many become threatening upon receiving a little horn honk as a reminder that they're not the sole occupant of the universe. Children and grown adults alike. Add to that the prevalence of terrible drivers and it's unsurprising to read that Florida's a dangerous place for pedestrians. A one-two punch of Darwinian selection to be sure.

Yes. There is responsibility or lack thereof on the part of some pedestrians too.

There have been a few times when I'm in the far right lane and first in line at a stop light. To my left are trucks or SUVs. I really can't see to the left because of that. The light turns green. I get ready to go only to have to quickly switch my foot to the break pedal because a group of people are darting across the street.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by boy3365

Yes. There is responsibility or lack thereof on the part of some pedestrians too.

There have been a few times when I'm in the far right lane and first in line at a stop light. To my left are trucks or SUVs. I really can't see to the left because of that. The light turns green. I get ready to go only to have to quickly switch my foot to the break pedal because a group of people are darting across the street.

So what is a pedestrian to do at an intersection minus crosswalks/signals(about 90% of all of them in FL) when attempting to cross, wait an undetermined amount of time until traffic is clear enough to make an attempt?

[boy3365]

Originally Posted by boy3365

Yes. There is responsibility or lack thereof on the part of some pedestrians too.

There have been a few times when I'm in the far right lane and first in line at a stop light. To my left are trucks or SUVs. I really can't see to the left because of that. The light turns green. I get ready to go only to have to quickly switch my foot to the break pedal because a group of people are darting across the street.

Originally Posted by kyle19125

So what is a pedestrian to do at an intersection minus crosswalks/signals(about 90% of all of them in FL) when attempting to cross, wait an undetermined amount of time until traffic is clear enough to make an attempt?

The incident I referenced actually happened TWICE in Downtown Orlando at Anderson and Orange. There are crosswalks and signals at every intersection downtown.

There are crosswalks and pedestrian signals at every traffic light on major streets like Semoran, Orange Avenue (downtown and north and south thereof), Orange Blossom Trail, John Young Parkway, Kirkman, Conroy, International Drive, Colonial, Alafaya, etc.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by boy3365

The incident I referenced actually happened TWICE in Downtown Orlando at Anderson and Orange. There are crosswalks and signals at every intersection downtown.

There are crosswalks and pedestrian signals at every traffic light on major streets like Semoran, Orange Avenue (downtown and north and south thereof), Orange Blossom Trail, John Young Parkway, Kirkman, Conroy, International Drive, Colonial, Alafaya, etc.

Which was my point, that accounts for around 10% of the metro area sprawl. I'm not a pedestrian here normally (thank god) but perhaps it has to do with overall habit from a pedestrian standpoint if it's not the norm with crosswalks and signals?

[boy3365]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Which was my point, that accounts for around 10% of the metro area sprawl. I'm not a pedestrian here normally (thank god) but perhaps it has to do with overall habit from a pedestrian standpoint if it's not the norm with crosswalks and signals?

Whatever. I just Googled "Orlando pedestrian death," and aside from Sunrail incidents, every result on the first two pages was a story about someone being hit on a major road.....where there is a crosswalk and signals at every intersection.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by boy3365

Whatever. I just Googled "Orlando pedestrian death," and aside from Sunrail incidents, every result on the first two pages was a story about someone being hit on a major road.....where there is a crosswalk and signals at every intersection.

Do you actually suppose they're all reported, especially those that occur in non-affluent areas?

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/...says-new-study

[Bobdreamz]

Originally Posted by boy3365

Whatever. I just Googled "Orlando pedestrian death," and aside from Sunrail incidents, every result on the first two pages was a story about someone being hit on a major road.....where there is a crosswalk and signals at every intersection.

At night it amazes me at how many people just cross major roads in Orlando like Colonial Dr. or Semoran and they cross nowhere near the intersections or lights. In addition so many pedestrians are wearing dark clothing so you can barely see them.

[boy3365]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Do you actually suppose they're all reported, especially those that occur in non-affluent areas?

https://www.orlandoweekly.com/Blogs/...says-new-study

I tend to think walking when I hear the world "pedestrian," but I guess it indeed includes bikers as well. I wonder what the stats are on bikers vs. walker accidents/deaths.

Nevertheless, crosswalks were on my mind as I drove around the past day or two, and they were everywhere. I don't know what else could be done. You have to be ultra cautious while crossing the front of a parking lot to enter a store.

What Southern city has mastered the whole public transportation thing anyway? The cities that seem to be the best at it were designed before cars became normal.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by boy3365

I tend to think walking when I hear the world "pedestrian," but I guess it indeed includes bikers as well. I wonder what the stats are on bikers vs. walker accidents/deaths.

Nevertheless, crosswalks were on my mind as I drove around the past day or two, and they were everywhere. I don't know what else could be done. You have to be ultra cautious while crossing the front of a parking lot to enter a store.

What Southern city has mastered the whole public transportation thing anyway? The cities that seem to be the best at it were designed before cars became normal.

Atlanta and Austin come to mind overall with cities like Chattanooga TN, Chapel Hill-Carrboro NC, Athens GA and Asheville NC doing pretty well with bike-friendly planning.

[Daryl_G]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

That's a load of BS. People in northern climates are a good bit more active/fit than most Floridians i know and average age has diddly-squat to do with it, more like the lack of concern/empathy for pedestrians and people on bikes for that matter. In a state where people are more inclined to drive a few blocks versus walk it's hardly surprising, nor with the lack of crosswalks and signals that give pedestrians a fighting chance.

Sad but true. Many avoid any outdoor activity for 4 months out the year because its so uncomfortable. Personally, I have no idea how people attend outdoor festivals in the Summer July, August heat. You can add clothes to get warm, but I can only take off so much.


Also shoveling all that snow in the winter is a workout too. We don't even have to cut grass or lift a finger in the Winter of Florida. That means no outdoor stuff in the Summer and a rather lazy winter for most.