Russia: Sidewalks Are Made For Driving?
Hello,
I was drinking my morning cup of coffee & thinking about how Russia is changing.
My wife came home the other day and said that the latest talk around her work was about how the Road police are going to give out tickets for “Driving on the sidewalks”. She also said that we are suppose to wear seat belts. This is nothing new to me, being from America! But to Russians the idea of not driving or parking on the sidewalk will be a very new concept.
When you walk down the sidewalk of a busy street in Moscow, you have to be ready to quickly jump out of the way of cars. Yes I said……..(click read more to expand article)
You have to get out of the way of cars! (Strange habit Russians have when traffic is backed up, they drive down the side walk to try to get around cars.)
Here is the situation: You are out for a nice stroll with your wife, you are talking about the future and enjoying life. You are strolling down a sidewalk that mothers are pushing their babies in strollers & kids are riding their bikes on! Then all happiness is shattered; There is a car behind you honking at everyone to get off the sidewalk. So that he can speed down it to get to the next corner & beat traffic! This happens all the time in Moscow.
Another example; I wait for my sweetie at the bus stop and almost every time I have to move out of the way, because a driver jumps the curb and weaves among pedestrians honking his horn & flashing his lights. He drives a hundred meters like this & drives back into the street. (ahead of maybe, 2-3 cars) (total maniac)
I hope that the Road Police really do give out tickets for driving on the sidewalk. Sidewalks are for people not cars!
What do you think?
Kyle
comments always welcome!
