I am familiar with this area and conceptually know where I am, but I have not walked these specific streets often and certainly have not done so with special attention to the details of pedestrian safety. While I am interested in the details of non-car infrastructure, like sidewalks, crossings, bike lanes, and signals, I tend to focus more on bike safety and less on the pedestrian side of things. Furthermore, when I do walk, I do not always notice details, for I do not experience any visual or physical impairment.

Noticing the details of the variations in crosswalks specifically is important nonetheless, as it causes one to realize the ways in which infrastructure affects those with impairments in mobility. Observing pedestrian safety near PSU is also symbolic of the greater change that is taking place in Portland in recent years, slowly transforming it from an old, small city with low traffic to a growing city with world-class concern for the safety of people moving by all modes.