Dear PoPville – Crosswalk law

Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99

“Dear PoPville,

The other day I was trying to use the crosswalk that crosses Florida where it meets R st. NW. Obviously no one was stopping, and I began to get a little annoyed given the seemingly endless stream of traffic. In the distance I saw a cop coming and thought “surely they will allow me to cross and set the example for other drivers.” Instead, they showed no signs of stopping and as they drove by I wagged my finger at them. I eventually crossed and the cops caught up with me me, asking if I needed anything. I told them I was wagging my finger because I thought they of all people should have allowed me to cross. The cops then proceeded to lecture me that I had to actually be in the crosswalk to gain the right of way.

So is that really the law?

DC ranks among the highest in the nation for pedestrian injuries when you take into account the number of pedestrian commuters. In a city where walking is so important I think it is a shame if the law really required people to risk their lives and step onto the crosswalk to get cars to yield to them. I, for one, am tired of being terrified our cities dangerous crosswalks.”