Navigating a busy city street is often more challenging than it sounds. Slow walkers, prams, groups blocking the pavement, and evening cyclists who forget the rules can test anyone’s patience. But one behaviour is now sparking even more irritation: crowds of people standing at a pedestrian crossing, staring at the traffic light, yet no one bothers to press the button that actually triggers the green signal.
Dozens of people wait, expecting the light to turn, but nothing will change without a simple tap — a step nobody seems willing to take.
Some blame laziness or sheer absentmindedness. Others say people avoid touching shared surfaces out of fear of germs. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: bottlenecks on pavements, stalled foot traffic, and even more pressure on an already fast-paced urban rhythm.
The topic has triggered a fresh wave of frustration on social media. On Reddit, users report that the issue is becoming especially noticeable in London, where thousands of people cross central streets every day. Some have jokingly proposed the idea of a “designated person” whose sole job is to press the button for everyone else — a humorous but telling reflection of how absurd the situation feels.
“This is getting ridiculous,” wrote one user. “Either people are lazy or scared of microbes, but it makes no sense.”
Comments show that the problem isn’t new. Complaints date back at least three years, and many admit they’ve had to literally “push through the crowd” just to reach the button.
Are cities taking action?
Some local authorities are exploring solutions such as automated pedestrian light cycles during rush hour or touchless sensor buttons that don’t require physical contact. Similar systems were introduced in a few major cities during the pandemic, but adoption remains uneven, and many residents argue that such technology should be implemented more widely.
Until then, the simplest fix remains the most effective — someone just needs to step forward and press the button.