Pedestrian Lanes

A few years ago, people in Bacolod City were not known to use the pedestrian lanes when crossing the streets.  People just crossed anywhere on the streets (me included) causing chaos and confusion to the already chaotic streets.  Pedestrian lanes were also virtually non-existent.  I mean, people couldn't see them because the lines were not being maintained.  People felt that somewhere out there is a pedestrian lane but they don't know exactly where.

Lately, the local government improved the implementation of traffic laws.  Pedestrian lanes were re-painted and traffic enforcers are placed all over the city streets to guide people to use the pedestrian lanes.  Since some (bad) habits are difficult to break, railings are placed in the middle of the streets, save the parts where there are  pedestrian lanes.  These railings "forced" people to cross the street properly. Other than that, the traffic enforcers get the attention of anyone who tries crossing the street where there is no pedestrian lane.  It's just really embarrassing when the enforcer uses his whistle on you. But, of course, you can still see people jump over the railings which usually happens when enforcers are on a break.  

Because of the use of pedestrian lanes, traffic has improved since drivers now definitely know where people are going to cross the streets.  Just so you'll know, most pedestrian lanes here in Bacolod City are in areas where traffic is not regulated by traffic lights. 

Image from www.ndb-online.com. (03/07/2012)
Photo by Arman Toga
Notice how the jeepney stopped right on the pedestrian lane.

 The big problem now is that MOST DRIVERS don't know the proper use of pedestrian lanes.  For a pedestrian lane to work, both pedestrian and driver must know the rules regarding its use.  The FIRST PROBLEM is that most drivers of public vehicles STOP on pedestrian lanes making it difficult for people to cross the street.  Some even "load and unload" passengers right on top of them.  The SECOND PROBLEM is both private and public vehicles do not stop before the pedestrian lanes when people are crossing them.  The worst case is when it is raining and you're in the middle of the pedestrian lane and vehicles are speeding by both in front and behind you.  This just goes to show that people are generally selfish and inconsiderate.  I mean, those people inside the vehicles have roofs over their heads, while there you are, standing in the middle of the street under the pouring rain.  On a positive note, around 10% of drivers stop before pedestrian lanes to let people cross the street. 

Section 42 par. c of R.A. 4136 says:
(c) The driver of any vehicle upon a highway within a business or residential district shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing such highway within a crosswalk, except at intersections where the movement of traffic is being regulated by a peace officer or by traffic signal. Every pedestrian crossing a highway within a business or residential district, at any point other than a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to vehicles upon the highway.


Well, that says it all.

Image from www.ndb-online.com (03/21/2012)
Photo by Arman Toga
Notice how vehicles rush through the pedestrian lane even when there is a student trying to cross the street.

Here's a link to R.A. 4136 : http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1964/ra_4136_1964.html


All images are from Negros Daily Bulletin (www.ndb-online.com).