Walk free in NYC, where jaywalking is no longer a crime

In NYC jaywalking is no longer a crime, or at least it won't be at the end of January, if I read the story correctly.  But I'm guessing is that it will be hard to tell the difference.

Here's the story from the NYT:

Jaywalking Is a New York Tradition. Now It’s Legal, Too.  New Yorkers can cross the street wherever they please without fear of a summons. By Emma G. Fitzsimmons, Oct. 29, 2024

"Telling New Yorkers, famously short of patience and time, not to cross the street mid-block did little to curb the illegal practice. Neither did the threat of fines: A violation carried a potential fine of up to $300, and hundreds of people received tickets each year.

"But after decades of mostly turning the other way, city officials finally decriminalized jaywalking, crossing against a traffic signal or outside a crosswalk. The City Council passed a bill last month to allow pedestrians to cross the street wherever they please, and it became law over the weekend, after Mayor Eric Adams ran out of his allotted time to decide whether to veto or sign the bill.

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"About 200 people have died over the last five years while crossing streets in the middle of a block or against the light — about 34 percent of all pedestrian fatalities, according to city transportation officials.

"The law goes into effect in 120 days. Liz Garcia, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said in a statement that New Yorkers should still be cautious when crossing the street."