Hectic big city life

It is same in all big cities, I presume. City life just tends to be more hectic and fast paced than in more rural areas. According to my observations people actually seem to walk faster and check the time more often in cities than in smaller towns. People are rushing for public transportation even though it is running on few minute intervals as opposed to running once every half an hour or so. I wonder what is actually the cause and what is the effect. I bet that there is plenty of studies done on the topic.

You have 5 seconds to comply.

At least one thing that is increasing the feeling of hecticity (that's not really a word, is it, but interestingly word "city" is embedded in there) is displaying the seconds left for pedestrians to cross a street. In Singapore there are ridiculously few seconds offered to cross a street -- even one with multiple lanes. Just seeing the seconds diminish in front of your eyes forces you to fasten your stride. The clock starts ticking probably at 12 seconds meaning that unless you are there already waiting to cross the street, the chance is that you will not make it safely across in time. And this is coming from somewhat fit and somewhat still young (!?) individual. The kiasu mentality of people behind the wheel doesn't really respect pedestrians. I have no clue on how senior citizens or those disabled can cross the street in sub 10 seconds time...

But actually now I do! I just spotted this little curiosity (see picture below) close to a pedestrian crossing near a medical facility. You just need to flash your senior citizen smartcard to the street light in order to add few more extra personal seconds for safe crossing. How innovative is that?

 

ps. Jaywalking is naturally yet another crime in Singapore and offender could at least theoretically face punishment of up to 3 months in jail! Yes, you read correctly. For crossing a street.