This train station is next to a big walking area, sometimes used for short-time markets or public events. There is always many people in this station but not all of them are there to take the train. Many of them just cross over it and keep on with their journey. There are no traffic lights that could help the pedestrian to know when to cross over the rails or not. At first sight, it seems to be a non official crossing path, but if we look at the ground, we notice there is an open way with no obstacle or second floor like there is where the train stops. Most of the people cross this path looking on the sides and at the same time relax and self secure.
Info
- Item author
- Patricia Vidal
- Item Created
- 20 Jun 2010
- Photo taken on
- 18 Jun 2010 7:27 pm
- 18 Jun 2010 7:26 pm
- 18 Jun 2010 7:24 pm
- 18 Jun 2010 7:22 pm
- Photo author
- patricia vidal
Context of the observation
Location
neumarkt, cologne
Germany
Germany
1 Interpretation
We can see here a very interesting interaction between the train driver and the pedestrian. There is no traffic light that tries to control the situation, there are no zebra lines that gives preferences. The pedestrian has no other chance but to look before crossing the rails. If the pedestrian sees that the train is still taking passengers, or has just arrived, they assume that they can walk freely. But if the train already closed their doors, the pedestrian and the train driver have to visual interact and both agree who is coming first, in a matter of seconds.
1 Question & 0 Responses
Could this example be used on a street with cars? And do we feel the necessity of traffic lights?