Bengaluru, once hailed as a pedestrian-friendly city, is now facing a severe crisis as footpaths become an increasingly hazardous space for pedestrians. With encroachments, poorly maintained surfaces, and a growing trend of two-wheelers using footpaths as shortcuts, the city’s streets are becoming a battleground for both motorists and pedestrians. Recent police data highlights the alarming rise in violations, with 15,174 cases of riders on footpaths reported this year, up from 9,547 the previous year. These violations have resulted in penalties amounting to Rs. 39.94 lakh.
Experts argue that this surge in footpath encroachments stems from a combination of factors, including traffic congestion, inadequate parking spaces, and a growing impatience among motorists. As drivers seek alternative routes to bypass traffic jams, footpaths have become a preferred passage. Traffic and infrastructure expert, Professor MN Sreehari, points out that while guidelines for footpath width are set by The Indian Road Congress (IRC), Bengaluru’s roads often fail to meet these standards due to their narrow width. The city’s footpaths are frequently uneven, poorly maintained, and have broken tiles, making them dangerous for pedestrians, particularly in busy areas.
The city’s efforts to curb footpath violations through penalties have met with limited success. South DCP (Traffic) Shiva Prakash Devaraju underscores that despite fines, the violation of traffic rules persists, especially at junctions or signals. While the police have made efforts to monitor violations through cameras, the lack of manpower to analyse footage remains a challenge. With an increasing number of riders disregarding traffic rules, the need for a shift in public mentality and discipline is urgent. As Devaraju emphasises, it is essential for riders to respect pedestrian spaces, as riding on footpaths not only endangers pedestrians but also risks the safety of the riders themselves.
From a sustainability perspective, the growing trend of encroaching footpaths reflects the larger issue of urban planning in Bengaluru. As roads are widened to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles, pedestrian spaces are shrinking, leading to a vicious cycle of poor infrastructure and safety concerns. Sustainable urban development requires a focus on creating safe, accessible spaces for pedestrians, which are vital to ensuring the well-being of all citizens, particularly in a city with a rapidly growing population.
