Jaywalking. Most of us have done it. You're in a hurry and the crosswalk takes too long. There's no traffic, so we go for it.

According to one historian, the term "jaywalking" first made an appearance in print in 1909. The word "jay" referring to a foolish person, combined with "walk".

It's against the law in many big cities across the U.S. The penalty ranges from a simple infraction, to a misdemeanor in some cities. The fines range from one dollar to $750.

In Wichita, it's only against the law in a select downtown core. Avoid jaywalking near City Hall, on Waco, Main, Market and Broadway north of Century II.

The fine in Wichita is $76. Police, however, are not staking out these streets to bust jaywalkers. If you do it and they see it, you will be fined.

This is one of those "police yourself" laws. Be smart, use the crosswalk.

You can jaywalk to your heart's content in Old Town, near Century II, at the WaterWalk and near the Hyatt. Just be safe.

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