What are pedestrians?

A pedestrian is simply someone who walks around on foot instead of riding inside a car or bus.

Think about your favorite stuffed animal or a family pet like a dog that explores the house and yard without being carried. A pedestrian is just like that, but they are people! They move under their own power using their two legs. When you walk to school, go to the park, or stroll down the street to buy ice cream, you are acting as a pedestrian.

Pedestrians travel on special paths made for walking. These include sidewalks, which are raised concrete strips next to the road so cars don't bump into us. They also cross at crosswalks, those white striped roads where cars wait for people to pass safely. You can see them everywhere:

• People jogging in the morning
• Grandparents walking slowly with a cane
• Kids running home from the playground

Because pedestrians are not inside metal boxes, they need to be careful around big, fast vehicles. We follow simple rules to stay safe:

1. Look both ways before crossing the street.
2. Use zebra crossings when cars stop for us.
3. Wear bright colors so drivers can see us easily.

Being a pedestrian means being part of the lively street world. You hear noises, see faces, and feel the breeze while you walk. It is a simple way to get from one place to another, just like taking steps in your living room, but out in the big wide world.