Let pedestrians cross road without fear
Let pedestrians cross road without fear
The Times of India
Bangalore: Over 40 per cent of fatalities and 35 per cent injuries in Bangalore are due to pedestrian accidents. Over the weekend, they go up alarmingly. As per official records, they contribute almost 28 per cent of road accidents.
Clearly, there is rising resentment against haphazard pedestrian movement in the city. On Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), a group of civic-conscious citizens, under Bangalore Association for Pedestrians United (BAPU), will squat on the lanes and bylanes of the city to focus on pedestrian woes. With solutions and goals for the burgeoning problem, they will march to the chief minister’s house and demand a deadline to regulate pedestrian movement across the city.
“We realise the city’s pedestrian populace is the most neglected with no rights whatsoever,” rues Govindappa Rangaiah, a US-based NRI, who along with a group of volunteers will mobilise the aam janta and law-enforcers to bring pedestrian rules into place.
To begin with, BAPU volunteers will distribute awareness material. A week following that, the association hopes each locality will meet to discuss the progress. Further, a group of lawyers could chip in to encourage the movement.
To support BAPU, contact 23419853.
Number of pedestrian accidents in Bangalore
Pedestrian population in city is 60 per cent. 30 per cent of pedestrians are killed in the city annually. NH-4 and NH-7 pose potential threat. Danger zone is particularly known to be the stretch from Goreguntepalya to SM circle (Peenya). There is no footpath as such here.
What are their rights
At every crossroad, there should be a STOP sign; violators should be punished. At each busy cross (considering that at least 10 people crossing the road per minute is a busy road), there should be a signal light or a traffic constable or an auxiliary police officer. Signal lights should strictly come in sequence. Pedestrians should have the right to cross a road every five minutes and at least a minute to cross each road.
In 2004 - 2231; Deaths - 390 In 2003 - 2967; Deaths - 348 In 2002 - 2363; Deaths - 328 In 2001 - 2199; Deaths - 282 In 2000 - 1968; Deaths - 273
posted by The Bangalorean @ 9/25/2005 06:49:00 AM
1 comments
1 Comments:
I have been giving this subject a lot of thought over the last month. Our roads are not war-zones or Nara-bali-kshetras. Our BBMP have reduced our roads to these shameful status. I have one idea which may get some results quickly. In a democratic system, the best way to enforce BBMP into acting is by using law. We could file a "Public Interest Litigation" against the BBMP. We start by establishing a "Pedestrian Bill of Rights" similar to the basic rights guaranteed under the Indian constitution. Each time there is a violation of "Pedestrian Bill of Rights", we hurt BBMP where it hurts the most.
I would like to hear some ideas about we could hurt the BBMP the most. One idea is to take away their freedom to formulate new projects where their corrupt officials make money.
On the same note, we need to establish "Pedestrian Bill of Rights". Here are some ideas:
1. At least 48 inche wide space on footpath for walking.
2. No more than 6 inches of elevation in the footpaths where there is a gradient. If there is more than 6 inches of gradient, a ramp should be provided for senior citizens, children, and physically handicapped people.
3. Zebra crossings should not be more than 3/4 KM apart. There has to be a policeman with a lathi for every three zebra crossings.
4. Dogs without collars are "Stray" and no one's concern. Anyone who speaks for these should adopt them or keep quiet.
5. Pedestrian injury rate should come down by 50% by 2009. (The result of this should be attached to BBMP's salary hike and bonus for next year).
6. Public roads are for public and are not dumping grounds for sand, bricks, etc.
Post a Comment
<< Home