pedestrian safety

Whether you're behind the wheel of a car or riding on your bike, it's essential to reduce your speed, especially as you near local roads. Slower speeds help minimize both the risk and impact of accidents, facilitating safer interactions with pedestrians and cyclists. Keep in mind that the road is a shared space for motorists, walkers, and cyclists; we all need to practice greater consideration while navigating it.

Have you struggled to cross the road, with vehicles stopped right on the zebra crossing? Motorists, waiting behind the white line means pedestrians can cross quicker, which is not only courteous to them, but it will eventually reduce waiting times. The road is a shared space; it's not just for motor vehicles.

The Pedestrian Plaza project in Pondy Bazaar, under the Chennai Smart City Initiative aimed to create pedestrian-friendly spaces by relocating street vendors to a dedicated complex. CAG’s study, surveying 350 customers and 170 vendors, found that 94% of vendors reported changes in their income post-relocation, with 64% experiencing an increase. Among customers, 71% viewed the relocation positively, while 29% indicated they missed the street shopping experience.

After Pondy Bazaar was renovated, the Pondy Bazaar road transformed into a one-way street, with wide pavements and more restrictive vehicular movement. Do you believe this change has been effective in traffic management and reducing vehicle congestion? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Timely communication of blocked or diverted routes is crucial. While this is needed for all road users, even motorists, pedestrians are particularly looking for ways to shorten their journeys. Ensuring that information is disseminated well in advance, allows pedestrians to plan their journeys and use their time efficiently.