Cops place cement blocks to stop footpath riding, get flak

Bengaluru: The city traffic police were at the receiving end for placing cement blocks on footpaths to prevent two-wheeler riders from riding on pavements near Byappanahalli Metro Station on Old Madras road.

The police claimed that they placed the blocks as footpath riding was posing a danger to pedestrians. “During peak hours, our personnel are on the ground regulating traffic and it is difficult for them to penalise the offenders. That is the reason we chose to place the blocks,” a police  officer, requesting anonymity, said.

As soon as the public started criticising the move, the traffic police clarified that it is a temporary move to prevent footpath riding and that they will soon write to the BBMP to place bollards on these footpaths, which will obstruct footpath riding.

A senior traffic police officer said, “The cement blocks were placed not to cause inconvenience to pedestrians. It is difficult to monitor everything during peak hours, as our priority is to clear traffic congestion.”

He said, “The cement blocks were placed near the Byappanahalli Metro Station as footpath riding was rampant there. Bollards have been placed but not at regular places. We have asked the BBMP to place more bollards and this will help prevent footpath riding.”

Another officer said that they are making a list of places which see footpath riding across the city and will submit it to the BBMP and request them to place bollards on these footpaths, as this is the only way to prevent footpath riding.