PedestrianFinland

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


44. 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 and motor-vehicle prohibition signs on a cross-country ski track. (Lievestuore, Finland)
Wikimedia.org • Tiia Monto • 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 Finland 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Footpath 7 Shared-use path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Pedestrian zone 10 Quay 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Bus stop 14 Dead end 15 Stop sign 16 Give way 17 Roundabout 18 Priority road 19 Railway crossing 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Wrong-way driving 23 Roadworks 24 Height limit 25 Weight limit 26 Radar speed sign 27 Priority at the next junction 28 Traffic lights 29 Driving licence 30 Countdown markers 31 International border 32 Cycling route 33 Parking 34 No parking 35 Parallel parking 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Uncontrolled crossroad 39 Verge 40 City limit 41 Licence plate 42 Charging station 43 Dangers 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Moped 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Tram lights 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Two-way traffic 59 Street gutter 60 Cargo bike 61 Forestry vehicle 62 Construction vehicle 63 Semi-trailer truck 64 Trolleybus 65 Speed pedelec 66 Delivery vehicle 67 Idling 68 Tow truck 69 Four-wheel drive 70 No vehicles 71 Bicycle 72 Motorcycle equipment 73 Rail track 74 Caravan 75 Trailer 76 Tow hitch 77 Fire truck 78 Siren 79 Convoy 80 Emergency vehicle lighting 81 Agricultural machinery 82 Electric bicycle 83 Electric vehicle 84 Pedelec 85 Quadricycle 86 Microcar 87 All-terrain vehicle 88 Van 89 Recreational vehicle 90 Scooter 91 Trikke 92 Personal mobility device 93 Skateboard 94 Segway 95 Kick scooter 96 Roller skates 97 Mailman 98 Hitchhiker 99 Toddler 100 Child ...