This article seems to suggest that it's all in good fun because "traffic flow is now computer-controlled", the suggestion being that traffic is cars and cars on

This article seems to suggest that it's all in good fun because "traffic flow is now computer-controlled", the suggestion being that traffic is cars and cars only. In many many parts of NYC, pedestrian traffic dominates cars, yet signals and streets continue to give preference to cars and other motorized vehicles. If there is an overflowing sidewalk full of people waiting for a signal it's a testament to the 1960s era thinking that permeates DOTs planning and construction.