100 years ago: Electra Lynne was arrested for violating LA’s newly-enacted traffic ordinance that prioritized cars over people.
Over here in Europe many people (especially me) just ignore the regulations completely and cross streets pretty much anywhere it looks safe (and not only). Even wide streets, even when there are cars around. Not sure what the exact rules are but the police generally pay no attention at all. Tried doing it in Taiwan once (zero traffic around) and found myself getting an angry lecture from the cops. Culture is a funny thing.
Where I live (Canada), IIRC it’s completely legal to cross anywhere you want, but bigger stroads will have fences in the median and the culture generally prioritizes driver convenience above all else. Pedestrians will often run across crossings when a car is waiting, which always makes me cringe.
You should fight to have the laws changed nonetheless. You never know when they will decide to weaponize them again.
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Ha! Many will relate to your German anecdote. In Germany my rule is Just don’t do it in front of children. Apparently many Germans feel obliged to lecture transgressors if kids see their bad example but might let it go otherwise. Funny!
But Germany really is an odd outlier in Europe. Something to do with Prussian militarism or something, there are lots of theories. The nextdoor Dutch are completely relaxed and let’s not even talks about the Italians.
Try to cross a road on red light on 2:00 (AM). I heard (anecdotal evidence) that some people got a ticket, easy target.