Yielding to pedestrians

So recently I was creeping out of my crowded city parking lot at the end of the work day. There's a big building on one side of my lot, and you have to pause at the entrance/exit to see if some driver is whizzing past.

The drivers around here don't win any awards for courtesy. I've had to learn to hold my own when someone's riding on my car's posterior, or honk instinctively if someone tries to cut in front of me during 70 mph rush hour.

My driving tendency in this city and surrounding area has become a lot more defensive, which usually works to my credit. The other drivers respect me more, and are less likely to try to cut me off if I drive with "purpose" so to speak. 

But on this day that I was creeping out of the parking lot, I was just about to rush forward when I saw a lady waiting on the sidewalk, watching for me to exit so that she could cross. I waved her to go; I could wait. She was appreciative. 

The lady started to cross in front of my car, and then paused, and started to walk back. I was confused, and saw her bend down and start to move some piece of metal piping or something out of the way - an object that at any rate could have damaged my tires. 

Grateful, I smiled at her as she moved the piece of metal aside and went on her way. 

Of course we have "yield to pedestrian" laws for a reason; it's usually to protect the pedestrians. 

Though in this case, it worked out for both pedestrian and driver, and we were able to share a smile at the end of a long day. 

Thank you, anonymous lady on the sidewalk.