Two-wheelers on pavements, GBA on the sidelines

Bengaluru

The conversation around Bengaluru’s broken and inadequate footpaths is never-ending, despite repeated appeals from citizens; long-term solutions from the authorities remain elusive.Adding to the problem are chaotic streets where impatient riders frequently mount already damaged footpaths, making them even more challenging for pedestrians.

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has conducted multiple drives to remove encroachments, fine offenders, and repair broken paths, but these actions have been inconsistent across the city.Bengaluru still lacks a consistent and comprehensive approach to restoring and maintaining its pedestrian infrastructure, leaving most footpaths unsafe, disconnected, and unusable for everyday walkers.

Several videos circulating on social media have recently highlighted the worsening condition of the city’s footpaths and the issue of two-wheelers encroaching on them. Despite repeated public outrage, the situation continues to deteriorate.

“Many pedestrians are confronted by angry bikers who ride on the footpath. Even though they’re clearly in the wrong, they still dare to argue with people walking,” said Sidharth Praveen, a citizen who shared a video on Instagram showing a footpath near St Joseph’s Auditorium, close to the Richmond Circle signal under the flyover.“Where do we walk then?” he questioned.

The narrow stretch he filmed is a crucial walkway used daily by students and commuters, particularly as a bus stop is located along the route.Similar issues affect several parts of the city, leaving pedestrians wondering when Bengaluru will finally become a truly walkable city.Sidharth proposed simple, practical fixes. “Railings could be installed along the footpath to stop two-wheelers from riding onto it. There’s even a traffic police officer stationed right across the road who can see this happening. All he has to do is cross over and stop them,” he told News Trail.

The growing menace of two-wheelers riding onto footpaths has become a serious concern across Bengaluru, posing a threat not just to pedestrians but also to street dogs and other vulnerable users.

“It’s extremely dangerous when these vehicles enter the footpaths while we are walking, especially for senior citizens. Strict fines and enforcement are urgently needed,” said Geetha, a senior citizen and long-time resident of the city. “We already have such limited space to walk, and now we have to deal with this too,” she added.

A motorist also expressed frustration over the disregard for basic road rules. “People pay road tax to drive on the roads, not on the footpaths. These are educated individuals who know the rules but still choose to break them,” he said.

He suggested that the Bengaluru Traffic Police adopt a three-step penalty system: a warning and fine for the first offence, a three-month licence suspension for the second, and permanent suspension for repeat offenders.

Acknowledging the challenges of enforcement given the city’s population and traffic volume, he urged citizens to step in where possible. “I encourage people to take photos or videos and tag @blrcitypolice on X. That is the least we can do as a community to raise awareness and help protect what little pedestrian space we have.”