Genuine question: don't pedestrians have the right of way on crosswalks/zebras everywhere? I thought it's the very idea of having the crossing in the first place.
In Italy and also bigger cities in France you probably only have the right of way if they hit you. I remember once in Paris standing at a main road for 5 min waiting for someone, anyone, to even slow down slightly. When I did try to venture across the zebra the cars all had to stomp on their brakes as if they were surprised that waiting at a regular zebra meant I intended to cross.
Pedestrian crossings in Paris really are a leap of faith, you just have to be assertive and walk out hoping the driver isn't looking at their phone, otherwise you'll stand there for hours because no-one will stop for you.
>Pedestrian crossings in Paris really are a leap of faith, you just have to be assertive and walk out hoping the driver isn't looking at their phone, otherwise you'll stand there for hours because no-one will stop for you.
Which, I guess, is why I felt so comfortable while in Paris. Exactly the same is true in NYC.
