Crossing the road in Russia can be a confusing and, at times, terrifying ordeal for foreigners. Most of this confusion and terror is misplaced, and can be easily dispelled by following my simple guide.
Step 1: Identify the type of road you are attempting to cross.
There are two types of road to cross; those with traffic lights and those without. Those without traffic lights are identified by a sign depicting a man crossing the road and white lines on the road. Those with traffic lights can be most easily identified by the lack of a sign. If you are attempting to cross a road with a traffic light, go to step 2. If you are attempting to cross a road without a traffic light, go to step 4.
Step 2: Identify the colour of the light.
There are two types of traffic light; the classic red man/green man combo, and; the red/amber/green combo usually reserved for drivers. Once you have identified the colour of the light, go to step 3.
Step 3: Waiting and crossing the road.
If the light (sometimes this resembles the shape of a human, sometimes it is a circular lamp) is red, you should wait, not cross as it is technically illegal and carries a fine (and it's dangerous, etc.). You'll find many Russians do anyway, so long as there aren't any cars and the police aren't about. If the light is green, you're good to go, and you can cross the road. Some traffic lights have a helpful countdown indicating the amount of time you have left to cross the road. On those that don't, either the green man will start moving quicker, or the light will blink at you when you have three seconds remaining. Once you have completed this step, go to step 5.
(Please note that drivers in Russia are not the best at observing red lights, and will probably go if no pedestrians are crossing.)
Step 4: Choose your method of crossing.
At a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights, you have two options;
1) Look in both directions, cross and pray any oncoming vehicles see you and stop (which they usually do).
2) Wait for a Russian to come along and cross with them.
Russians usually employ option 1. If the road is busy, they usually employ a variation on option 2, and wait for a large group of people to assemble so that oncoming drivers have no choice but to stop. Once you have chosen your method of crossing (my choice varies from day to day), it is advisable to look both ways and cross before you change your mind or your crossing partner (who is often unaware of his/her role in this) has gone. Once you have completed this step, go to step 5.
Step 5: CONGRATULATIONS! You have now successfully crossed the road. I hope you found this guide helpful.
Step 1: Identify the type of road you are attempting to cross.
There are two types of road to cross; those with traffic lights and those without. Those without traffic lights are identified by a sign depicting a man crossing the road and white lines on the road. Those with traffic lights can be most easily identified by the lack of a sign. If you are attempting to cross a road with a traffic light, go to step 2. If you are attempting to cross a road without a traffic light, go to step 4.
Step 2: Identify the colour of the light.
There are two types of traffic light; the classic red man/green man combo, and; the red/amber/green combo usually reserved for drivers. Once you have identified the colour of the light, go to step 3.
Step 3: Waiting and crossing the road.
If the light (sometimes this resembles the shape of a human, sometimes it is a circular lamp) is red, you should wait, not cross as it is technically illegal and carries a fine (and it's dangerous, etc.). You'll find many Russians do anyway, so long as there aren't any cars and the police aren't about. If the light is green, you're good to go, and you can cross the road. Some traffic lights have a helpful countdown indicating the amount of time you have left to cross the road. On those that don't, either the green man will start moving quicker, or the light will blink at you when you have three seconds remaining. Once you have completed this step, go to step 5.
(Please note that drivers in Russia are not the best at observing red lights, and will probably go if no pedestrians are crossing.)
Step 4: Choose your method of crossing.
At a pedestrian crossing without traffic lights, you have two options;
1) Look in both directions, cross and pray any oncoming vehicles see you and stop (which they usually do).
2) Wait for a Russian to come along and cross with them.
Russians usually employ option 1. If the road is busy, they usually employ a variation on option 2, and wait for a large group of people to assemble so that oncoming drivers have no choice but to stop. Once you have chosen your method of crossing (my choice varies from day to day), it is advisable to look both ways and cross before you change your mind or your crossing partner (who is often unaware of his/her role in this) has gone. Once you have completed this step, go to step 5.
Step 5: CONGRATULATIONS! You have now successfully crossed the road. I hope you found this guide helpful.
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