Why did the human cross the road? 

Periscoping is when you stick your head into the street just enough to eye a glimpse of traffic. Runners often do this instinctively at cross streets, but the technique is useful for any walker in a rush who enjoys not being hit by a car.

If there’s a big truck/van/something blocking clear view of the trafficway, simply channel the comic hero Plastic Man and kind of stretch your neck to eyeball a snap-survey and the rest of your body can continue or stop accordingly. Even if motor vehicles are at a standstill, cyclists and skaters may still be zooming. Mastery of this peek-around technique can save valuable seconds during a city walk all while exercising key neck muscles.

Read more advanced walking techniques