New Yorkers have jaywalked for decades. Its now legal, but tourists may want to think twice before following locals into the street | Lifestyle [Video]

(CNN) — Eating a slice of New York pizza, taking a stroll in Central Park and hustling down the busy sidewalks of Manhattan are all quintessential elements of New York City life that many a tourist dreams of doing. For many locals, jaywalking — crossing the street without regard for traffic signals — has also long been considered a rite of passage.

With recent legal changes, jaywalking is now officially permitted, but travelers should still look both ways before following locals into the street.

In September, the City Council passed legislation allowing pedestrians to cross the street at any time without adhering to traffic signals. This past weekend, the bill became law after Mayor Eric Adams neither signed nor vetoed the bill within a 30-day window.

Previously illegal in New York since 1958, jaywalking carried a fine of up to $250.

And it can be risky. Over the past five years, 200 …