National Pedestrian Day

The most recent #roadsafety report by MoRTH shows that #pedestrians form 18.9% of those that were killed in #roadaccidents in 2021. This is an alarming figure & one that has risen steadily over the last few years (17.1% in 2019, and 17.8% in 2020). We need policies that actively discourage motorists & promote pedestrian safety. #NationalPedestrianDay is a time to remind ourselves of all the things we can do differently to make our roads safer for pedestrians.

Reclaiming footpaths has been an ongoing civic issue with no clear resolution. For many Indians (like Shanthi, a domestic worker) walking, with a combination of public transport, remains the preferred mode of getting to work. How safe are they walking to work? While we have excellent initiatives such as the T. Nagar Pedestrian plaza by Greater Chennai Corporation that helped to secure pedestrian rights, we not only need more such spaces but also an attitude shift amongst motorists and other road users. In addition, there is also a need for consistent enforcement.

How safe are pedestrians on our roads?

India is a nation of walkers. According to the 2011 census, one third of all work trips are by foot. Women walk to work more than men. And 60% of school journeys are by walk (NSO). Indian roads are unsafe for walkers. Almost 26,000 pedestrians, an 85% increase in the last 5 years, have died on Indian roads. Chennai’s OMR stretch alone sees as many as 34 pedestrian deaths a year. 90% of these deaths were from pedestrians trying to cross the road (Greater Chennai Traffic Police, 2019).