Beijing Insists It Will Finally Enforce Pedestrian Right of Way

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Anyone who has lived in Beijing long enough – which is to say, about a week – will notice that it is hardly a friendly city to pedestrians. Refusing to yield to pedestrians when making a right turn and or at a crosswalk are the norm. But believe it or not, it's not the law.

Despite how normal it seems the city's residents, however, some netizens have begun to complain. “When I’m trying to cross the intersection, I am blocked by cars coming one after another, and it takes me about 10 minutes just to cross the road!” One Beijinger said.

We have to admit that civilized drivers who would make way for pedestrians do exist in this world, but even these law-abiding drivers are frustrated with others who constantly honk at them for taking a second to stop and make way for passengers.But it seems that we pedestrians can finally breathe a sigh of relief as Beijing is taking steps to tighten traffic rules. Now, drivers who fail to yield to people can be hit with three penalty points and RMB 200 fines.The question is, exactly under what circumstances will drivers get fined? Fortunately, and in rare form, the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau has made the answer pretty straightforward with a series of gifs.

In the animation below, the driver clearly speeds up and forces himself into the crowd, forcing the pedestrians to make an abrupt stop.

Even more egregious, the driver below stops in the middle of the crosswalk. What the hell!
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In the next case, the driver fails to stop for pedestrians even when another vehicle from the same direction has already stopped. Come on, bro. 

Finally, a driver bypasses the pedestrians with a sudden burst of acceleration. This kind of behavior can result in serious injuries and accidents.

Giving the right of way
Drivers must slow down at crosswalks regardless of whether they see a pedestrian.

Stopping when pedestrians are walking across the road is especially required.

When a pedestrian is passing through the crosswalk, a vehicle making a right turn shall always stop to give the right of way to the pedestrian. Yes, really!

The same applies when a car is making a left turn.

The fact is, this has always been the law. But now, with the three-strike system in place, we look forward to crossing the street safely at long last!

Images: Unsplash, 新京报

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