How to Stop Traffic

When I was a child I lived abroad in a country where there very different cultural attitude- particularly towards children. When I would need to cross the street to get to a park near my apartment, adult pedestrians and complete strangers would signal to cars who would come to dead stop. I would be escorted across the street safely. I have never seen this happen in the United States except maybe in some more rural communities. When we lived abroad my mom felt more comfortable letting me go out and about alone in the city than in the States.

This experience is something I have thought about while biking around the city. As a cyclist I have an opportunity to promote a neighborhood feel. I can interact with pedestrians, cyclists, drivers. I am  more physically visible which makes me more human and more relatable than a car. I try to smile and acknowledge people as much as possible and chat them up sometimes. I think the secret to Boston is that everyone wants to make a new friend- though it’s Boston so there is a certain reserve to break through. People always seem to appreciate an effort.

I have also fallen in love with the stop hand signal. I rarely see it used by cyclists but I have found it invaluable- possibly because it is used so infrequently that it surprises people. I use it at 4-way stop signs to signal to cars that I plan to stop and follow the correct protocol. (Hopefully they do too.) I also use it to signal to cyclists behind me that I am slowing or making an unexpected stop. But my favorite use is for pedestrians.

When I see a pedestrian waiting to cross the street (or already doing so) I signal that I am stopping. Frequently, the cars behind me see my signal and follow my lead. I actually succeed in stopping traffic sometimes. The best part is when the pedestrian notices and smiles and says thanks.

Stopping for pedestrians also leads to some hilarious situations. There was this great moment on North Harvard St. where a young family of 4 was trying to get across the street. I saw several cars ahead of me ignore them. So I signaled and stopped to see if I could work my magic. Several cars still blazed through the crosswalk while I just sat there waiting- so apparently not. The family laughed and thanked me for not being crazy like passing cars. We talked for a brief moment and they introduced their kids and their ages. Cars eventually stopped for them and I wished them a good afternoon and was on my way.

This is the best reason to observe traffic rules and not always be in such a hurry. I always feel good putting a little positive energy out there. And some minds may be changed in the process.