I actually thought it was Americans that didn't jaywalk - the whole reason for the introduction of the term being the need to concisely inform people that they'

I actually thought it was Americans that didn't jaywalk - the whole reason for the introduction of the term being the need to concisely inform people that they're not allowed to do it ;) In the UK at least this rule is sometimes commented upon as a notable characteristic of America. You can cross where and when you please in the UK, I think, and indeed everywhere I've been to in Europe the same rules appear to hold. (UK English has no native term for jaywalking. You just cross the road without using a designated pedestrian crossing.) The usual disclaimers about generalising from large diverse groups apply.