The terrifying walk-a-thorn!

The newspapers are filled with tales of accidents or deaths. In some places in the city, people have no other choice but to walk on the road, as there is no footpath for the hapless pedestrian. In order to reclaim the right to be able to walk freely on city footpaths and make roads friendly for pedestrians and differently abled, citizens in the city got together this January. They demanded that roads have to be pedestrian-friendly. In a chat with people in the city, we find out more.

A city-based software engineer feels that footpaths have become more dangerous for pedestrians now.  Rashmi S Bhat says, “Pedestrian friendly roads are a must as our roads are more and more vulnerable  and less pedestrian friendly. Walking near Katriguppe was really scary as there was literally no footpath at all. I saw vehicles using the same footpath as well. According to me, pedestrians should be able to move freely on footpaths. Vehicle movement should be restricted and clear signage on how to navigate around roads for differently-abled pedestrians is also important.”

Rahul Kokare, from the apparel industry says signals are key areas where an accident is likely to happen, “The timing of signals needs to increase atleast by 5 or 10 seconds. The Silk Board flyover is  busy, especially during peak hours. I have seen pedestrians getting only a few seconds to cross over. In my opinion, the signal timing has to increase for pedestrians so that they have ample time to cross over. Clear instructions on roads needs to be put in place too.”

Physiotherapist Pavithra S Reddy feels, “It is our right to ask for the right to walk freely on footpaths. I think it’s more important for people to be educated on how to use roads and footpaths. Not many people use the footpaths to walk. Even if people protest and get pedestrian-friendly roads it will be of no use if people don’t use them properly. Bengaluru has good footpaths but pedestrians walk on the roads. Walking in Jayanagar is scary as two wheelers wanting to rush to their destination don’t even consider the fact that there are people walking on footpaths.  Pedestrians and vehicles users needed to educated on the right way to use roads and footpaths.”

For city-based sociologist Suparna Kar footpath are basic necessity on our traffic-filled roads, “Pedestrian friendly roads are the need of the hour in a city that drastically needs to rethink its traffic norms. Road space has to be shared by all within a city. It’s a problem if vehicular traffic is considered to be the type that has primary right of way. Pedestrians also need the freedom and space to use these roads. Footpaths, skywalks and strictly enforced zebra crossings need to be incorporated into our city scape.”