Little Red Men
Claire Nurcombe wrote:
Following the discussions on crossing the road in Germany I would like to add my 2 Euro cent's worth.
In Hamburg, while people are generally relaxed on the question of crossing the road under the little red man, there is one particular group of green light fanatics to watch out for - parents of young children. You take your reputation into your hands if you cross on red in front of one of these parents who will not hesitate to question your morals in a high pitched scream.
Whether this is a better example for the children than my example of sensible and safe adult judgement I'm not entirely certain.
Steve Hastings wrote on the message board:
I live in the fantastic city of Munich and when I first arrived 3 years ago I crossed an empty street near Odeonsplatz when the little red man was indicating. was shouted at by a policeman and a policewoman.
I am now the expectant father of a Cockney-Bavarian child, and my girlfriend (who already has a seven year old daughter) told me that the reason for waiting for the green man is to set an example to children for their safety.
I still have trouble just standing like a lemon at a pedestrian crossing on an empty street at 1am with the evil little red man glaring at me through the driving rain.
Many thanks!
