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Comment by rospaya | Hacker News Reader

> Countries with less developed economy still enjoys a vibrant street life much like the pre 1920 US

You're connecting the dots wrong. Most European cities lead urban planning so that mixed zones are vibrant and busy, sometimes banning or punishing cars from city centers. It's intentional policy that (in Europe) is a result of policy, so is lowering car ownership in Denmark or the Netherlands.

Bigger wealth doesn't indicate that everyone will follow the US and create unwalkable suburb monstrocities.

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This. In some European countries (e.g. UK, Scandinavian countries) there is no such thing as jaywalking. Pedestrians always have the right of way, except on motorways.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaywalking#Europe

When I lived in Lausanne, the local police were definitely giving tickets to pedestrians for crossing against the light. So its not all European countries (though the Swiss are more law and order than most).

I guess I might not be interpreting you correctly, but pedestrians have no right of way. AFAIK, if someone is crossing the street you must stop your vehicle (which seems obvious because if not, you'd run them over). This doesn't mean that you can just cross the street wherever and whenever you may please, neither does it mean that you can actually walk in the street. Still focusing on Europe, it's not that uncommon to see drivers disrespect the law and not stop at a crosswalk when there's someone trying to cross it.

> This doesn't mean that you can just cross the street wherever and whenever you may please, neither does it mean that you can actually walk in the street.

Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I couldn't find it when this discussion was going on, but last time I looked at the Swedish law it said something like this about pedestrians: Pedestrians may travel wherever and whenever, except on motorways. If there is a dedicated pedestrian walkway nearby, it is recommended to use it. If there is a pedestrian crossing signal, and it is red, it is strongly recommended not to cross.

I.e. pedestrians have right of way always, outside motorways, and may walk on the street as they please.

pedestrians have right of way always, outside motorways, and may walk on the street as they please.

With the caveat that it is illegal to so in a reckless manner that that causes danger to others. Also you can be held financially responsible for any injuries or damage this recklessness causes.

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