PedestrianArgentina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


34. Pedestrian

A pedestrian is a person travelling on foot along or across a road, street, path or other public space. Depending on local traffic law, people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other small devices may also be treated as pedestrians.

Pedestrians normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths and pedestrian areas where these are available. When crossing a road or walking where no suitable pedestrian facility exists, they must follow the applicable crossing rules, traffic lights and other local traffic regulations.

Pedestrian
Pedestrian prohibition sign on the Avenida Uruguay bridge over the Río San Antonio. (Villa Carlos Paz, Argentina)
Wikimedia.org • Dario Alpern • CC BY-SA
What is a pedestrian?

A pedestrian is primarily a person travelling on foot. Local traffic laws may also treat people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other devices as pedestrians.

Where should pedestrians normally walk?

Pedestrians should normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths or other areas provided for pedestrians. Where these are unavailable, local rules determine where pedestrians may walk on or beside the road.

Which side of the road should pedestrians walk on when there is no pavement?

This depends on the country's traffic rules. Many countries require or recommend pedestrians to face approaching traffic, but the exact rule varies.

Where should pedestrians cross a road?

Use a pedestrian crossing, traffic-light-controlled crossing or other designated crossing where required or reasonably available. Where crossing elsewhere is permitted, choose a location with good visibility and cross carefully.

Do pedestrians always have priority at a pedestrian crossing?

The exact priority rule varies between countries. Drivers are commonly required to give way to pedestrians using or entering designated crossings, but pedestrians must still obey traffic lights and avoid entering the road dangerously.

Must pedestrians obey traffic lights?

Yes. Where pedestrian signals are provided, pedestrians must follow their indications and should not enter the roadway while the signal prohibits crossing.

Is someone pushing a bicycle a pedestrian?

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks beside a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian. The precise legal classification depends on local law.

Can pedestrians use a cycle path?

This depends on the road layout and local rules. Pedestrians may sometimes use a cycle path when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct cyclists or other authorised users.

Do turning vehicles have to watch for pedestrians?

Yes. Drivers turning into another road must watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the road they are entering and give way where required by local traffic law.

What should pedestrians do before crossing a road?

Check carefully for approaching traffic from all relevant directions, make sure there is sufficient time and distance to cross safely, and continue to observe traffic while crossing.

1 Argentina 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Minimum speed 5 Bike path 6 Speed bump 7 Slope 8 Bus stop 9 Stop sign 10 Give way 11 Roundabout 12 Road narrowing 13 Railway crossing 14 Mandatory direction 15 Turn prohibition 16 School area 17 Overtaking 18 Crossing animals 19 Curve 20 Wrong-way driving 21 Roadworks 22 Height limit 23 Traffic lights 24 International border 25 Parking 26 No parking 27 No stopping 28 Reversing 29 Uncontrolled crossroad 30 Licence plate 31 Charging station 32 Dip 33 Identity card 34 Pedestrian 35 Cyclist 36 Truck 37 Bus 38 Police 39 Ambulance 40 Taxi 41 Pothole 42 Path 43 Particulates 44 Air pollution 45 Rush hour 46 Road code 47 Street gutter 48 Cargo bike 49 Forestry vehicle 50 Construction vehicle 51 Semi-trailer truck 52 Trolleybus 53 Speed pedelec 54 Delivery vehicle 55 Idling 56 Tow truck 57 Four-wheel drive 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Rail track 61 Caravan 62 Trailer 63 Tow hitch 64 Fire truck 65 Siren 66 Convoy 67 Emergency vehicle lighting 68 Agricultural machinery 69 Electric bicycle 70 Electric vehicle 71 Pedelec 72 Quadricycle 73 Microcar 74 All-terrain vehicle 75 Van 76 Recreational vehicle 77 Scooter 78 Trikke 79 Personal mobility device 80 Skateboard 81 Segway 82 Kick scooter 83 Roller skates 84 Mailman 85 Hitchhiker 86 Toddler 87 Child 88 Disability 89 Motorail 90 km/h 91 mph 92 Speedometer 93 Ride height 94 Dirt road 95 Driving 96 Start-stop system 97 Manual transmission 98 Automatic transmission 99 Throttle 100 Tachometer ...