Footpaths: Ban on riding sought

Footpaths: Ban on riding sought
Deccan Herald

This is in response to the footpath-related article that appeared on April 23. Footpaths are being renovated in several places but there seems to be no parameters stipulated for footpath laying, which is unfortunate considering the amount of money being expended on the upgradation. Your article had mentioned the parameters for laying of footpaths but most of them have not been adhered to.

I would like to make a few recommendations on the issue. Firstly, no breaks should be allowed on the footpaths. Barricades and railings should be installed to prevent two wheelers and cyclists from using the footpaths and ramps constructed to access private premises should be demolished. Shopping malls are using public spaces to construct ramps, while keeping their premises intact. This needs to be checked.

Louis Charles

It is a common sight to see footpaths being cut by various public utility agencies for carrying out repair works, but this disrupts pedestrian movement. They are forced to walk on the road which, given the lack of traffic discipline among road users, can turn risky for pedestrians. Once the footpath is dug for works, it remains in the same condition for several months. Pavements on 100 feet road, 80 feet road and CMH road in Indiranagar bear testimony to this.

Other forms of encroachment are illegal parking of two and four wheelers by residents and vendors setting shop on the pavements.

Similarly, when construction work is carried out on the sides of the road, the footpath is dumped with construction materials.

Authorities should take strict action against the guilty to curb this menace. R Sreekumar Indiranagar



The footpath between Syndicate Bank, SPC Road Branch and the main road of Raghavendra colony on 5th Main, Chamarajpet is fully occupied by a Bescom transformer centre that has been set up leaving no space for pedestrian use.

This particular stretch is at the intersection of 5th Main and 7th Cross, Chamrajpet.

This intersection has heavy traffic coming from Mysore Road and TR Mill circle. There are several schools around this area which adds to the traffic congestion.

We want Bescom authorities to shift the transformer centre to a place beyond Devanath Achar Street on 5th Main, Chamarajpet, to enable the public to use the footpath freely.

P Prahlad Rao

Assistant Commissioner (Retd)

Attention of the Police Commissioner has been drawn to the failure to dislodge vendors on footpaths, especially chaat vendors. I suggest that you introduce a system similar to Tigers that tow vehicles from No Parking zones, in order to clear the pavements.

S N Subramanya



FEEDBACK

The overwhelming response by readers to Deccan Herald’s campaign against footpath encroachment, ‘Give Me My Way’, reflects the growing frustration among pedestrians in the city, who are steadily losing their right over footpaths. DH presents some responses and recommendations forwarded by our readers.

If you have a complaint or a suggestion on how to safeguard city’s pavements, write in to us at Deccan Herald, 75, M G Road, Bangalore-560 001 or email editor@deccanherald.co.in