A Singapore version of the Shibuya crossing, otherwise known as the pedestrian scramble began its trial yesterday (Dec. 16) at the junction between Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road.

From now until Jan. 28, pedestrians are allowed to simultaneously cross the junction in any direction on all weekends and public holidays.

This is an attempt to make it easier for shoppers and commuters to move around the area is part of the Orchard Road Business Association's effort to revive the area as a shopping destination.

Here's a look at how the trial went:

Negative Feedback

Unfortunately, Singaporeans were quick to criticise what might soon be called the Orchard Scramble.

Many highlight that there are a few issues that are likely to make the scramble a little too chaotic and scrambly:

Some also commented that such a crossing will only create more congestion on both cars and pedestrians:

Well, problems and complaints aside, take a look at the Shibuya Scramble in comparison.

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://static.mothership.sg/1/2017/12/scramble.mp4"][/video]

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Other cities have scramble crossings too

Due to the cultural significance of the Shibuya Scramble, it's easy to forget that other countries too have their form of diagonal crossings, which is believed to have originated from the US and Canada in the 1940s and 1960s:

Some of these other lesser-known crossings also have been filmed in action, such as the Yonge and Dundas Square scramble in Toronto, Canada:

And one here in Oxford Circus in London.

Our expectations of a scrambled crossing might be a bit loftier because it's seen as something many people regard with high standards.

Perhaps all that is needed is time for things to improve.

Top image via Channel NewsAsia's Facebook video