Source: Beijing Daily
Original title: Volunteers who participated in the zebra crossing guidance for 4 years saw the change of courtesy in the eyes of the intersection “Most drivers have become patient”
At 9 o’clock in the morning on August 29, near the zebra crossing on the west side of the Deshengmen Arrow Tower, pedestrians in groups prepared to travel north to the Arrow Tower. Volunteers in green vests have not raised the small flag in their hands, and a motor vehicle a few meters away has already parked actively to signal pedestrians to pass.
Li Youhua, captain of the caring zebra crossing team, saw the change in the initiative and comity of motor vehicles.
In 2017, Beijing Daily, the Capital Civilization Office and other units launched the “Claim Love Zebra Crossing” activity. The Beijing Green Woodpecker Volunteer Service Center responded to the call and successively claimed 10 zebra crossings including Deshengmen. Over the past 4 years, more than 30 volunteers have appeared on this zebra crossing less than 30 meters long every weekend and statutory holidays, escorting pedestrians across the road. Today, the traffic order here has been significantly improved.
The zebra crossing on the west side of Deshengmen Arrow Tower connects Jianlou North Square and the sidewalk near the Jishuitan subway. Tourists who take the 877 bus from the front of the Jianlou to the Great Wall and take the 919 Garden Park must pass through here. At intersections, there is a lot of traffic and people, there are zebra crossings but no traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the road in traffic, it is inevitable that there will be safety hazards.
“In the past, some motor vehicles ran on the zebra crossing and drove in front of pedestrians before they had to stop. Pedestrians and motor vehicles passed by, watching them very distressed. Sometimes, motor vehicles slammed on the brakes, and there is nothing behind them. Step on it and you will rear-end.” Li Youhua and the volunteers used the “stupid” method. They lined up the adult wall hand in hand at the intersection to stop the vehicles and let the pedestrians pass safely; when the pedestrians were almost all over, they would withdraw and give The car gave way.
Volunteers have also carried out fast board writing activities to maintain traffic. Everyone held bamboo boards and stood on the sidewalk to persuade pedestrians to form a landscape. The Yangko team from Desheng Street also came here to guide and promote civilization through the zebra crossing.
Changes are happening quietly, and many harmonious scenes are played on the zebra crossing. “Car owners are more patient, especially the big buses that pass by, taking the lead in courtesy, and later motor vehicles are also slowing down. Many times, before we guide, everyone stops the car in advance, and will reach out to us. Pedestrians pass.” Because the right hand was waving a small flag, Li Youhua and other volunteers would always use their left hand to salute the driver’s friend at any time.
“The small civilization on the zebra crossing is actually related to the great civilization of the city of Beijing.” Gou Huiqing, a volunteer who has insisted on civilized guidance for more than three years at the intersection of Yangqiao, also has a special feeling about courtesy of pedestrians. “Most drivers have become patient. Sometimes the green light on the sidewalk is on, and some left-turning motor vehicles have passed the stop line, but when they see pedestrians passing by the zebra crossing, they can consciously give in.” Gou Huiqing said.
The driver’s active comity also hopes to gain understanding and support. Gou Huiqing bluntly said that while the drivers’ sense of courtesy has increased, there are still some pedestrians crossing the road and playing with their mobile phones. To a certain extent, it affects everyone’s enthusiasm. “This phenomenon is most obvious when the green light turns on to the left. The car can only be forced to brake suddenly, and the emotional driver will even press the horn twice to vent.” Gou Huiqing suggested that pedestrians pass quickly when the light is green. Motor vehicles must also abide by the rules, so that everyone can travel safely. (Ren Shan)
.