Pedestrian in Paris

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Tue 2 Sep 2003 20:16
Pedestrian in Paris - Doc
I have just come back from a short stay in Paris by Eurostar.
Pedestrians seem to be treated as disposable items.

I was amazed at the marked parking bays which went right up to junctions and crossings. This meant that cars were parked on the radius of corners and on pedestrian crossings!
This, of course, seriously reduces visibility and is dangerous.
They have not adopted the British system of zig-zag lines at crossings.

Also, I could not understand their system where you have a "Green Man" at the lights, but traffic is allowed to continue across your ped. crossing.
Pedestrian priority at crossings without lights was largely ignored by motorists.

Motorbikes use the pavements and the Police turn the other way.

Are there any Backroomers from France who would like to comment?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 2 Sep 2003 20:52
Pedestrian in Paris - cockle {P}
Doc, on a visit to Paris a good few years ago a friend living there warned us that a pedestrian crossing in Paris is regarded as purely being there as a basis for negotiation.
Also, if you see a car without dents or scratches in Paris then it must be brand new and the driver is on his way home from collecting it from the dealer.

To the Parisians a car seems to be purely a means of transport and not a thing of value, once stood outside L'Opera one evening and watched a bus push a chaffeur driven Merc out of the bus stop it was waiting in, and I mean literally push it with bumper embedded in rear door and rear quarter, because it was his stop, regardless of the two other empty stops. Lots of shouting went on, lots of arm waving, both drivers got back in vehicles and drove off, not a sign of insurance details or call to the gendarmerie.

Dangerous, but wonderful, lively place, Paris.
Must admit that I'm rather glad it doesn't appear to have changed overmuch.

All I would add is, if you value your car, never, never, ever drive through Paris!!

Cockle
Reply | Report as offensive | Link