In brief
As India grapples with poor footpath conditions and pedestrian safety issues, citizen-led initiatives are emerging to bring attention to the need for better walking infrastructure in cities. From engaging the community in challenges to drafting detailed manifestos for government action, advocates are pushing for tangible improvements that prioritize pedestrian needs.
Many Indian cities are notoriously difficult to navigate on foot, with narrow footpaths often cluttered with obstacles such as hawkers, garbage, and broken pavement. Arun Pai, the founder of Bangalore Walks, has taken initiative by launching an engaging challenge dubbed the 'world's longest footpath run' in Bengaluru. Participants are invited to walk an 11km stretch of footpath and document obstacles, rating their experiences to provide actionable feedback to local authorities.Pai's mission aligns with the efforts of various citizen activists throughout India who are striving for more pedestrian-friendly streets. In Delhi, advocates from a tour company called Delhi by Cycle are similarly pushing for infrastructure that supports both cyclists and pedestrians. The challenges posed by encroached footpaths and poorly maintained roadways affect millions of pedestrians nationwide, making movement through dense urban environments exceedingly problematic.Mumbai's Walking Project recently introduced a 'pedestrian manifesto', targeting local politicians ahead of state elections to demand reforms for pedestrian circulation. Vendant Mhatre, the convener, stresses that nearly half of Mumbai's population relies on walking, emphasizing that pedestrian safety and rights are often overlooked in transportation policies. With over 10,000 pedestrian fatalities on national highways recorded in 2022, the urgency for change is paramount.Current approaches to road safety often involve temporary fixes, such as speed bumps, rather than addressing the root of the pedestrian dilemma which lies in the lack of interconnected, well-maintained footpaths. Research conducted in Chennai indicates that enhancing footpath infrastructure can inspire a shift from motorized transport to walking, leading to environmental benefits and improved access for underserved communities.Despite the apparent challenges, many individuals remain unaware of the robust standards for pedestrian infrastructure available in other countries, leading to comparative complacency in India. Geetam Tiwari, a civil engineering professor, highlights that prioritizing walking routes will not only ease pedestrian access to public transport but can also alleviate traffic congestion in the long run.For a broader shift toward sustainable transportation, it is essential for Indian cities to adopt Non-Motorised Transport Policies and adhere to national guidelines on road design. As activists rally for change and seek more attention from policymakers, the hope is for enhanced pedestrian infrastructure that caters to the needs of all urban dwellers.Follow us for more updates on urban transport initiatives and citizen-led advocacy in India.
