in New York, it will be legal to cross the street outside the crosswalk

It is a famous tradition in Marseille. Crossing the street outside pedestrian crossings is also a practice in other cities around the world. Especially in New York, where the practice is now legal.

The information is reported by the famous person New York Timeswho writes that”New Yorkers can now cross the street wherever they want, without fear of a summons” before a judge.

The city council of the most touristic city in the United States has passed a law that now allows pedestrians to cross the street outside of traffic, thus decriminalize this practice, commonly known as “walking” in New York jargon.

It has been illegal in New York to cross a lane outside of the cross since 1958.

Hundreds of fees distributed each year

Before this new law was passed, a pedestrian crossing the street illegally could receive a fine of 250 or even 300 dollars. “Hundreds of people were fined every year“, according to the New York daily.

“Let’s be real, crossing the freeway is a way of life in New York“, called Mercedes Narcisse, a member of the New York City Council and a supporter of this law.

According to New York media Gothamistpedestrian fines for “walking” are an example of discrimination. Out of 786 fines issued by the New York police for this reason in the first six months of 2024, 77% related to people of color, or those of origin Hispanic.

This legislation comes at a time when the number of traffic deaths is increasing, New York. The year 2024 will be the deadliest in ten years.

According to the New York Times200 people have died in the east coast megacity over the past five years by crossing without using the pedestrian crossing, or avoiding the t -traffic lights. pedestrians.

Therefore, while the law comes into force at the beginning of 2025, New York City Hall recommends that residents be vigilant. “All road users are safer when everyone follows traffic rules“, remembers Liz Garcia, spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams, who has just been tell for corruption and illegal campaign financing.

In France too, pedestrians can be fined

In France, according to Road Safety, “it is customary to use the marked walkways“pour”across the tracks“, except”if there are none within fifty meters“.”At intersections near which there is no passage for them, pedestrians must use the part of the road that extends from the pavement.“, indicating the highway code.

Vocabulary is rare, but “if you do not comply with the highway code, you are liable to a first class fine of €4“, highlighting Road Safety, in a pamphlet entitled “rights and responsibilities of pedestriansThis happened, in 2024, to a pedestrian who crossed a red light, in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (Normandy), reports La Presse de la Manche.

“When the crossing is regulated by traffic lights, you must wait for the green light for pedestrians before starting.continues with this organ of the Ministry of the Interior. When an officer is directing traffic, wait for their signal before crossing.“Crossing the road diagonally, New York style, is even more discouraging.