Crosswalk on Calçada do Botelho sparks online buzz, but vanishes soon after

An AI-generated image that went viral on social media yesterday

A sudden online sensation erupted over a newly installed crosswalk yesterday on Calçada do Botelho, as netizens – presumed to be drivers – warned motorists to yield to pedestrians; however, criticism soon mounted regarding potential safety concerns for drivers, leading to the crosswalk’s removal.

“A new crosswalk has been added on Calçada do Botelho from Rua do Tarrafeiro. Please yield to pedestrians,” read a Facebook post accompanied by a photo of road workers installing the zebra crossing.

The post quickly garnered numerous comments, with many questioning the authorities’ decision. Comments included remarks such as, “This design does more harm than good… It’s bound to cause trouble sooner or later,” and, “Has there been a recent accident? Why add a crosswalk when it was perfectly fine before?” Others expressed concerns about traffic conditions, asking, “Shouldn’t crosswalks be installed based on traffic conditions?”

Additionally, one commenter noted, “Buses are always overloaded, especially when stopping at the top of slopes and restarting. This design is clearly trying to kill bus drivers – genius.” Some even speculated that the authorities implemented the crosswalk to turn the area into a tourist photo spot.

Additionally, a post cautioned motorcycle riders: “Be cautious of sudden braking by vehicles ahead when ascending the Camões area. Don’t tailgate too closely. If the vehicle in front is a truck or bus, it’s best to wait at the bottom of the slope until it reaches the top before proceeding; otherwise, you’ll slide backward and be stuck.”

As the zebra crossing continued to attract attention online, it was soon discovered that it had been removed. Another post, accompanied by a picture of the site, questioned, “Has the zebra crossing vanished again?”

Meanwhile, the incident also prompted numerous netizens to create AI-generated parodies online, with many referencing another recent hot topic – the installation of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) systems.

The matter arose during a recent regular meeting of the Islands District Community Service Consultative Council, where a committee member made a pre-agenda statement proposing improvements and reforms to the management of Macau-Taipa bridges.

Among the suggestions was the installation of ETC systems on the city’s four bridges, with tolls adjusted based on time of day and vehicle type to increase charges on congested sections, thereby aiming to reduce traffic congestion.

Notably, the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge originally charged vehicles – excluding ambulances, police cars, and similar vehicles – tolls ranging from MOP3 to MOP20 per crossing. It also offered ticket packages for 15 and 30 crossings, valid for 15 and 30 days respectively, with half-price discounts available for these packages, excluding taxis and collective passenger transport, until the system was abolished in 1982.

DSAT issues response

In response to comments on social media regarding the “temporary” pedestrian crossing arrangements near Praça de Luís de Camões, the Transport Bureau (DSAT) issued a statement late yesterday afternoon.

It clarified that the decision to relocate the temporary zebra crossing – originally planned at the junction of Calçada do Botelho and Largo de Santo Antonio – was based on on-site inspections and traffic assessments conducted in collaboration with the police and the contractor.

The temporary pedestrian passageway has now been moved to the vicinity of St. Anthony’s Church. The bureau emphasized that this crossing arrangement is temporary and is intended solely to accommodate roadworks beginning today at Largo de Santo Antonio.