Coming2Israel.com - Walking Around Israel

 

Walking in Israel

Do so at your own risk.  Okay, it isn’t quite that bad. Just make sure you that you pay attention with eyes and ears open when you walk.  Other people, cyclists, skateboarders, motorcycle and scooter riders, cars and trucks all seem to think that they have the right of way.  All at the same time.  Seriously, the sidewalk, any and every sidewalk, is seemingly not just for pedestrians.  The sidewalk laws only seem to apply when there is a police officer around.  And even that’s no guarantee.  Even bike and walking paths have to share the space with the above potential hazards.  And, while you are keeping your head up, be sure to look down once in a while and make sure you’re not stepping in any “presents” left behind by man’s best friend and any other assorted critters.  Especially pay attention, if you are enjoying the weather and getting into the spirit of things by wearing your sandals or flip flops.  Just be aware.  You have been warned.

Pedestrian Crossing At Intersections

Also pay attention to the pedestrian crossing lights at major intersections.  If there is an island dividing the line of the opposing traffic, then chances are that the pedestrian crossing lights only cover one set of lanes at a time.  That is, there is a light governing the pedestrian traffic crossing from the curb to the center island and a completely separate light covering the second half from the center island the far curb at the other side of the street.  The lights are not necessarily synchronized with each other.  So watch the green lights and make sure that the green you are seeing is for the half of the road that you need to cross.

Crosswalks

Now, as for crosswalks as anywhere else, stay on your toes!  Most Israeli drivers, as they approach the crosswalk, consider it like this: If the person wanted to cross, they would start walking.  If you are just standing at the crosswalk a lot of drivers will assume that you are waiting for a friend.  So, assuming that a car is not practically on top of the crosswalk lines, step one foot off the sidewalk to the street to show your intention to cross.  Keep an eye on the approaching vehicles and make sure that they see you and are slowing down.  Once you see that they have slowed to a safe speed or that they have stopped for you to cross, make your way across the street.  Walk at good pace, don’t lolly-gag, but don’t run either.  Drivers coming from the opposite direction on the other side of the street will still roll through the crosswalk if they feel that they have enough time and space.  And once you’ve crossed enough of the road that drivers feel that they can safely pass, they will.  Don’t get offended.  Israeli’s are not such a patient people.  For a small country we have a lot to do and little time to do it in.

Boardwalks

Most accessible beaches have a boardwalk running the length of the beach.  In Hebrew we call them the Tayelet (Ta-yell-et).  Tel Aviv has probably the longest one stretching from the old port town of Jaffa (Yafo) in the south, passing through all of the Tel Aviv beaches and beach-side hotels, up to the newly renovated Old Port of Tel Aviv (Namal Tel Aviv). And you can continue past The Namal crossing the pedestrian bridge at the entrance of The Ha-Yarkon river on past the power station as well.  The Tayelet is technically for pedestrians, but as we mentioned, while you’re enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of the beaches, keep aware of what may be coming your way or coming at you from behind.  Most coastal city’s have a Tayelet of their own, so if you have a chance, do make the time to go for a stroll and enjoy the view.

Shvil Yisrael-The Israel National Trail

And if you really want to go for a walk, Israel has a marked trail running from the tip-top of the country all the way to the bottom in Eilat.  The Israel trail (Shvil Yisrael) can take you one to two months to walk the entire trail.  You can walk parts of it at a time if you wish, but whatever you decide to do, do your homework first and plan accordingly.  Check out our page below for links to web pages with just about all the information that you might need to plan a hiking journey through Israel on the Israel National Trail. Coming2Israel.com Web Page With External Links To The Israel National Trail-Shvil Yisrael: Israel National Trail-Shvil Yisrael

The Jesus/Gospel Trail in the Galilee

Walk and follow in the footsteps as he made his way from Nazareth to Capernaum. Coming2Israel.com Web Page About The Jesus / Gospel Trail In the Galilee: Jesus / Gospel Trail Galilee It is not permitted or recommended to walk or ride bicycles on major highways and roads. Overall, be careful.  And, otherwise, the usual: Wear a hat and sunglasses.  Use sunscreen and drink lots of water.  Even in the winter months.

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