Pedestrians pollute the city!

You might think that choosing walking over driving is "green" and does not create any pollution, but think again. Of course, pedestrians do not cause any emissions directly, but indirectly they cause massive amounts of pollution.

This happens thousands of times every day in the city; a pedestrian presses the button on pedestrian controlled traffic light, the light turns red for cars, and dozens of them will have to suddenly stop to let the lone pedestrian cross. In case there is no traffic light, only crosswalk, cars are again expected to stop even if it only appears like the pedestrian is about to cross the street!

Why on earth is it so that cars do have to yield to pedestrians? Environmentally it does not make any sense. If car weights 1000kg and moves at 50km/h (typical speed on a good day) and pedestrian weights 70kg and moves at a walking speed, which one will waste more energy, if the pedestrian had to stop or the vehicle?

To save the environment, the legislation must absolutely changed so that pedestrians will have to yield to vehicles. This will reduce gas consumption dramatically, since cars will not have to stop constantly to let single pedestrians to cross the street. An additional 10c/litre gas tax could be applied, and still overall gas expenses would be less. This additional tax revenue could be used for public transit, so that even those who do not own or use a private car would benefit!

By this little change in the rules, everyone will win, even the pedestrians. With this change, the world will become a much greener place for everyone!