In August 1896, Bridget Driscoll became the first person recorded in history to die as a result of a traffic accident. This tragic event, involving a pedestrian, marked the beginning of a long and ongoing struggle for road safety. More than a century later, despite technological and legislative advancements, pedestrians continue to face significant risks on streets and roads worldwide.
Currently, the Safe System approach and the mobility hierarchy embraced in the General Law of Mobility and Road Safety reinforce the idea that pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of our roads and, as such, should have priority over other mobility users. This paradigm seeks a comprehensive approach to road safety, where it is understood that human errors are inevitable, but systems must be designed in such a way that they do not result in fatalities or serious injuries.
By adhering to this approach, we recognize that every component of the traffic system —from road infrastructure and vehicles to laws and human behavior— must contribute to a safe environment for everyone, especially those without the protection of a vehicle.
What are the rights and duties of pedestrians?
The rights and duties of pedestrians refer to the set of regulations and recommendations aimed at protecting the integrity of people walking on public roads, as well as promoting their responsibility in preventing traffic accidents.
These principles are fundamental in building safe and respectful road environments for all.
What are the Rights of Pedestrians?
According to the Mexican Charter of Pedestrian Rights, developed by the Civil Society Organization La Liga Peatonal, pedestrians have the right to:
- Walk freely, safely, and without physical or visual obstacles.
- Inclusive signage, not only focused on motor vehicles.
- Walk calmly on a street without being pressured by other users.
- Enjoy the city as pedestrians.
- Have underutilized or misused road space transferred to them.
- Safe and accessible crossings following pedestrian desire lines.
- Level crossings on all signalized roads.
- Exclusive times in traffic light cycles for the busiest intersections.
- Road redesign at points where accidents are repeated.
- Public space that is accessible, inclusive, and free of obstacles or fences.
- Participate in the design and decision-making of public space and its signage.
- Effective signaling systems designed for people with sensory disabilities.
- Free, safe, inclusive, continuous, and accessible mobility, achievable through the integrated use of transportation modes.
What rules must pedestrians respect to ensure their safety?
The Traffic Regulations of Mexico City establish a series of specific rules for pedestrians with the aim of guaranteeing their safety and harmonious coexistence with other road users (Art. 5 of the Regulations). Some of these rules include:
- Pedestrians must follow the instructions of traffic officers, support staff, and existing road signage.
- Give priority to and assist those using technical aids or with limited mobility.
- When using recreational vehicles or motorized technical aids on pedestrian roads, pedestrians must:
- Give priority to other pedestrians.
- Not exceed 10 km/h to ensure the safety of others.
- Avoid holding onto other vehicles.
- Before crossing a road, one must look both ways, ensure vehicles can stop, and make eye contact with drivers.
- It is mandatory to allow emergency vehicles with activated lights and sirens to pass.
- Pedestrians must cross at corners or pedestrian crossings on primary and secondary roads as allowed and always safely.
- In controlled access roads, pedestrian overpasses must be used, although on other primary roads it is not mandatory if the overpass is more than 30 meters from the crossing point.
Pedestrians who do not follow these rules may be verbally warned by traffic officers, who will also provide guidance on how to behave properly according to the regulations.
What are the obligations for vehicle drivers to protect pedestrian safety?
Article 6 of the Traffic Regulations of Mexico City establishes that:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at signalized intersections when:
- The green light allows pedestrian passage.
- Pedestrians who started crossing with a green light have not finished crossing.
- Vehicles are turning to join another road and encounter pedestrians crossing.
- At unmarked intersections, pedestrians always have the right of way, obliging drivers to stop and allow them to pass.
- Pedestrians may use the vehicular lane when:
- There are no available sidewalks.
- The sidewalks are obstructed by works, events, or excessive pedestrian flow.
- They are moving in groups, processions, or school lines.
- They tow objects that hinder sidewalk circulation.
- They use recreational vehicles or technical aids in the absence of suitable bike lanes.
- Vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing sidewalks to enter or exit parking lots or properties.
- In designated pedestrian areas, pedestrians can walk anywhere on the street and in any direction, having total priority over vehicles.
Drivers who fail to comply with these rules may face fines for private vehicle drivers of up to $2,172 pesos and up to $8,686 pesos for public passenger transport drivers.
Know and respect the Traffic Regulations of your city. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility.
