Pedestrian Scramble at State and Jackson

Chicago seems to be trying to emulate Tokyo with a pedestrian-only free-for-all crossing at State and Jackson. News crews were all over the place, city workers were configuring the lights and traffic aides were out yelling at everyone.

It looks like a plus for cars making right turns that won't have to contend with pedestrians at the same time, but it requires a new way of thinking that I worry no one will really be able to handle. Bikes would also need to have more patience, and if they can't follow dedicated signals on Dearborn I weep for the future of this project.

Really, though I can see how bikes, cars and pedestrians can all ruin this concept through ignorance or selfishness.

Chicago Tribune Link

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Permalink Reply by Crazy David 84 Furlongs on May 31, 2013 at 11:34am

Washington DC and San Antonio have these at a number of intersections. I really really like them as a Pedestrian. They feel a LOT safer. It will certainly require more education, but I think that they will work.

As a bicyclist, the solution is really quite simple. Hop off the bicycle, walk across in the scramble, ride on the other side. Its not that hard and certainly no danger of getting left or right hooked.