I know it's not considered proper but there is a reason why I J-walk in New York City. It all has to do with my ADD.
I walk through the city in a fog made up of my own thoughts. My eyes dart back and forth as different shiny objects grab my attention and then are replaced buy a different one. If I am walking with someone else, my mind will be filled with the conversation instead of where I am going.
When I wait for the "safe" corner to cross the street, I won't be thinking about crossing at all and have, in the past, just missed being hit by a bicycle messenger or cab ignoring the light.
However, if I cross in the middle of the street, I know that I am taking the dangerous choice and my mind is forced to focus on dodging between cars to get across. I have always crossed safely. Standing on a line between two moving lines of traffic keeps me sharp, focused and safe.
And that's why I J-walk.
