Pedestrian

Pedestrian

A Pedestrian is a person travelling on foot, whether walking or running. In some communities, those travelling using tiny wheels such as roller skates, skateboards, and scooters, as well as wheelchair users are also included as pedestrians. In modern times, the term mostly refers to someone walking on a road or pavement, but this was not the case historically.

History

Walking has always been the primary means of human locomotion. The first humans to migrate from Africa, about 60,000 years ago, walked. During the 18th and 19th centuries, pedestrianism (walking) was a popular spectator sport just as equestrianism still is in places such as the United Kingdom and the United States.

Health and environment

Walking is the best exercise for your feet. It contributes to your general health by improving circulation and weight control. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is second only to tobacco smoking as a health risk in developed countries, and this is associated with many tens of billions of dollars of healthcare costs.

Pedestrian safety

Pedestrian safety is a serious issue in traffic safety. Pedestrians are vulnerable to road accidents, as they are not protected by any type of safety equipment such as airbags or seatbelts. In many countries, pedestrians are the largest single category of road fatalities.

Rights and obligations of pedestrians

In many jurisdictions, pedestrians have the right of way at all pedestrian crossings, and at intersections with certain exceptions. They also have the right to use the sidewalk, and are prohibited from walking on the roadway if a sidewalk is available.

See also

• Pedestrian crossing
• Pedestrian zone
• Pedestrian-friendly
• Walking

References

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External links

• World Health Organization

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