JAYWALKING IN VALENCIA
Jaywalking is prevalent in Valencia. Almost everywhere you look, locals of differing ages wander across the street. They also weave between lines of traffic.
Pedestrians are an urban planner’s most unpredictable obstacle to safety. Zebra crossings and pedestrian lights are placed at every possible logical point in the urban environment. Often to no avail.
Jaywalkers are unpredictable. They go where they want to, not where there is an official crossing. They also go when they wish to, especially when a red light tells them not to.
That said, a majority of Valencia’s residents obey the signals. If only because scooters, motorcycles and some cars rush off before their light turns green. Some pedestrian crossings can be dangerous for expats who are unaware.
The speed at which lights change to red after starting to flash or count down is often astounding. Resulting in shocked pedestrians being left in the middle of the road.
The police appear to be completely oblivious to and uninterested in jaywalkers.
By Vincent Green, Jul 1 2019
HIKING IN VALENCIA
Hiking and trekking in the Valencia region is initially a matter of transport. Areas of interest for hiking are some 60 kilometres and more away from the city. They include Calles, Chelva, Navajas, Xativa, Chulilla and Montanejo.
A story with repeated periods of flourish and decline intersperses the history of Valencia. Roman soldiers were prevalent in Europe for several centuries before and after the birth of Christ. Just over a hundred years BC they settled in the area of today’s old city.
