We need footpaths. Footpaths that work!
Footpaths which make it possible for
pedestrians to walk. Quite simply a path
for people going on foot!
A Footpath (also pedestrian way, walking
trail, nature trail) is a thoroughfare
intended for pedestrians but not for
motorized vehicles. The term is often
for paths within an urban area that
offer shorter quieter routes for
pedestrians.
But this term will soon be forgotten for
those in Bangalore. We do have footpaths
but certainly not for safe pedestrian
walking!
There have been those footpaths where
one can walk safely with head held high
without fear of tripping on a loose
stone. Then there were those where one
had to tread very carefully head bowed
down to ensure that one didn’t trip and
land face down on the pavement! There
have also been those with yawning holes
wide enough to accommodate a foot and
leave the walker shocked and very
disturbed.
With all the construction activity in
many areas it isn’t uncommon to see
building materials strewn all over the
footpath making the pedestrian walk on
the road nervously looking this way and
that for fear of being run down by a
motorist, two wheeler or auto who always
needs to get somewhere asap!
Then there are those diligent footpath
vendors who liberally decorate the
footpath with footwear, fruits, food
stalls etc! All requests, politely or
otherwise have fallen into deaf ears and
they have become permanent landmarks in
the area.
Most of the footpaths on the main roads
have been narrowed. The authorities need
broader roads to accommodate a
burgeoning city replete with many
hundred vehicles added on a daily basis.
Let me mention those footpaths which
have been generously concreted by
builders who felt that it was their God
given right to present such an entrance
to their many apartment owners. Never
mind if there are rain water drains and
chambers as old as the last Century
beneath them!
Are the powers that be listening? Will
BBMP ever be able to replace all the
footpaths in areas that have none? Will
road widening also mean decent footpaths
in Bangalore?
Beware Bangaloreans! You simply cannot
be footloose on the footpath anymore!
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