China's large population of more than 1.3 billion could mean that the country is also faced with a huge number of pedestrians. Since the country is an emerging market for smartphones, it's common to see people in places such as the subway and the streets to be busy with their mobile phones while they are walking.
Though it is becoming an almost accepted norm, the city of Chongqing thinks that the habit poses certain dangers both to the person who's texting and those who are trailing behind.
As a result, the city came up with an idea which may sound a little uncommon but it actually has a good purpose. Chongqing decided to separate cell phone lanes for pedestrians similar to how other cities have set up their bicycle or bus lanes.
Chongqinq creates the first mobile phone sidewalk in China, making the city as the first smartphone user-friendly city. The unique sidewalk, which stretches 100 feet, is found along the portion of Yangren Street otherwise known as Foreigner's Street.
The street has a painted warning sign that reads "cell phones, walk in this lane at your own risk" on one lane and "no cell phones" on the lane right next to it. Additionally, the city has a large sign that is displayed in the area which reads "First mobile phone sidewalks in China." The sign includes a diagram that illustrates how pedestrians should use the street.
The mobile phone only sidewalk is the city's bid to cut down on smartphone related accidents. Based on a report by the University at Buffalo in March, there are more injuries incurred by distracted walking than injuries by distracted driving. These would include falling down the stairs and facing vehicle traffic.
Perhaps the officials in Chongqing were inspired by the science show entitled "Mind Over Masses" of the National Geographic. The show featured a two-way walking lane in Washington D.C. wherein one side is meant for smartphone users while the other is for those who are not really enslaved with their devices.
A few years ago, the city of Philadelphia staged an April Fool's prank which featured an "E-lane" for texting pedestrians. In 2008, Britain created a "Safe Text" street by making sure that their lamp posts are wrapped with padding.
While a smartphone lane may seem ridiculous, the number and nature of accidents brought by texting while walking may just prove it otherwise.
It remains to be seen whether Chongqing is keeping this feature of its sidewalk permanently or a temporary campaign. The city officials have at least done their part and it's up to the pedestrians to make the experiment work or not.
