Sure, you can venture into the crosswalk in other cities and cars will stop, drivers smile, and wave you through. Here they are more likely to accelerate. This is especially true of cabs. Speaking of cabs, be prepared to assist the driver in locating your destination. Chances are he has been in the City less time than you have.
City buses can provide a cheap alternative to cabs.
Since ALA's last visit, almost all of the cars have been replaced with air-conditioned models, the graffiti is gone, and many stations have been renovated. Of course, it is still impossible to understand the announcements on the public address system. Whatever you do, keep moving. Everyone is in a hurry in New York, and sudden stops can be hazardous to your health. But seriously . . . most New Yorkers are friendly and quite willing to assist a visitor with directions. And to share business opportunities.