Despite India's rich culture of walking, urban environments are often unwelcoming to pedestrians. Activists are rallying for improved footpaths and policies to provide safer, more accessible routes for all.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Fight for Walkable Cities in India
Overcoming Obstacles: The Fight for Walkable Cities in India
Citizen activists are advocating for better walking conditions in Indian cities as they address the myriad challenges faced by pedestrians.
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In India, engaging in a daily walk can be a daunting ordeal for pedestrians. Many cities, like Bengaluru and Mumbai, have footpaths that are in disarray, often filled with obstacles ranging from hawkers to neglected debris. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks, has taken the initiative to highlight this issue through a unique challenge, dubbed the “world's longest footpath run,” where participants are encouraged to traverse an 11km stretch of footpath while documenting the obstacles they encounter. This approach seeks to collect actionable data that can pressure local authorities to address specific problem areas.
Pai is not alone in his mission; various citizen activists are advocating for pedestrian-friendly policies throughout India's urban landscapes. For instance, Delhi by Cycle is promoting cycling alongside walking, striving for a more balanced urban mobility approach. Activists are organizing awareness campaigns, creating supportive apps, and lobbying government officials to make meaningful changes for pedestrians.
Unfortunately, many Indian cities often prioritize motorized vehicles over pedestrian infrastructure. Footpaths are frequently encroached upon by street vendors, parked vehicles, or even livestock. Even those that exist may not be adequately maintained, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians. A recent call to action from the Walking Project in Mumbai emphasized the need for better pedestrian provisions ahead of local elections with demands for dedicated walking corridors and accessibility improvements.
Government statistics emphasize the importance of these initiatives, showing that nearly half of the urban population depends on walking, overshadowing those who utilize private transport. However, the lack of infrastructure support translates to the highest pedestrian fatalities after two-wheeler incidents, with over 10,000 pedestrians killed on national highways in 2022 alone.
Experts, including civil engineering professor Geetam Tiwari, argue that the focus should shift from simply managing vehicle congestion to fostering a safe environment for pedestrians. Emphasizing the need for interconnected footpaths, she advocates for guidelines from the Indian Road Congress to be standardized across states to enhance pedestrian safety and infrastructure.
In change lies hope; improvements to walking infrastructure can yield significant benefits, including reductions in traffic congestion and environmental pollutants. Addressing the needs of pedestrians is not merely about enhancing their daily commutes; it isn't just an act of kindness, but a recognition of their role in creating vibrant, sustainable cities. Indian cities could become more livable if the focus expands beyond private vehicle transport and embraces the simple yet profound act of walking.
In India, engaging in a daily walk can be a daunting ordeal for pedestrians. Many cities, like Bengaluru and Mumbai, have footpaths that are in disarray, often filled with obstacles ranging from hawkers to neglected debris. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks, has taken the initiative to highlight this issue through a unique challenge, dubbed the “world's longest footpath run,” where participants are encouraged to traverse an 11km stretch of footpath while documenting the obstacles they encounter. This approach seeks to collect actionable data that can pressure local authorities to address specific problem areas.
Pai is not alone in his mission; various citizen activists are advocating for pedestrian-friendly policies throughout India's urban landscapes. For instance, Delhi by Cycle is promoting cycling alongside walking, striving for a more balanced urban mobility approach. Activists are organizing awareness campaigns, creating supportive apps, and lobbying government officials to make meaningful changes for pedestrians.
Unfortunately, many Indian cities often prioritize motorized vehicles over pedestrian infrastructure. Footpaths are frequently encroached upon by street vendors, parked vehicles, or even livestock. Even those that exist may not be adequately maintained, creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians. A recent call to action from the Walking Project in Mumbai emphasized the need for better pedestrian provisions ahead of local elections with demands for dedicated walking corridors and accessibility improvements.
Government statistics emphasize the importance of these initiatives, showing that nearly half of the urban population depends on walking, overshadowing those who utilize private transport. However, the lack of infrastructure support translates to the highest pedestrian fatalities after two-wheeler incidents, with over 10,000 pedestrians killed on national highways in 2022 alone.
Experts, including civil engineering professor Geetam Tiwari, argue that the focus should shift from simply managing vehicle congestion to fostering a safe environment for pedestrians. Emphasizing the need for interconnected footpaths, she advocates for guidelines from the Indian Road Congress to be standardized across states to enhance pedestrian safety and infrastructure.
In change lies hope; improvements to walking infrastructure can yield significant benefits, including reductions in traffic congestion and environmental pollutants. Addressing the needs of pedestrians is not merely about enhancing their daily commutes; it isn't just an act of kindness, but a recognition of their role in creating vibrant, sustainable cities. Indian cities could become more livable if the focus expands beyond private vehicle transport and embraces the simple yet profound act of walking.
