I love Middlebury, Vermont. In fact, it’s probably one of the nicest villages in America. But don’t tell anyone. Crosswalks. If you are a pedestrian in Middlebury, Vermont, and you approach a crosswalk, be careful. You had better be ready to actually cross the street. Why? Because in Middlebury, Vermont, if a pedestrian approaches the crosswalk drivers…stop. Really. I am not making this up. Drivers stop. But there is a problem. Problem? What’s wrong with a crosswalk that…works? Well, it’s tourists. I guess I have been a Vermont resident long enough (7 years) to recognize when a walker is unaware of the crosswalk etiquette associated with hamlets where drivers actually heed the ordinance of right of way for pedestrians. Here’s how it’s supposed to work. You’re walking along the sidewalk and are approaching an intersection that you intend to cross. As you approach the intersection, identify the flow of traffic. If there is a new flow of traffic, slow down! Let the cars flow through the intersection! After all, they had just experienced a halt to enable the flow of pedestrians and now it is their turn. Then, timing is everything. Confidently queue to the curb. Cars stop. People smile. Continue reading →
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