sustainable transport

Small hill station towns like Shimla, with massive tourist footfalls, will benefit from pedestrianised zones. The Mall Road, a distinct pedestrian-only shopping avenue in Shimla, is a major draw for tourists, offering a unique walking experience that sets Shimla apart from other destinations. Will other hill stations follow suit? #SustainableMobility 

Motor vehicles were banned from the Old Town in the centre of Prague city to reduce noise pollution and improve residents' quality of life. Thanks to this move, the Old Town continues to be a bustling hub of business and tourism but with less pollution (noise and air) and a safer environment for locals and tourists alike.

Keeping your young son or daughter safe on our roads involves setting boundaries on what they can and cannot do. Guide them to not drive at times known to be risky - late nights, early mornings, under poor weather conditions. Behaviours around responsible driving need to be promoted through open communication and by modelling good behaviour ourselves.

Bangalore, well-known for its traffic congestion, took the bold move of converting the popular commercial area, Church St, into a pedestrian-friendly zone. The results have belied the popular misconception that banning motor vehicles is a death knell to local businesses - shops have continued to thrive on Church St and shoppers have a safe and enjoyable experience. A win-win for all!

New York's Open Streets Program has focused on people rather than vehicles. Pedestrianising streets has led to thriving local businesses, safe school commutes, easy and safe mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, and given local communities space for bonding through cultural activities. Other benefits include fewer road injuries and better air quality.

Indian cities naturally possess mixed neighbourhoods, allowing people to access essential services by walk. However, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and roads that prioritise motorists has reduced the effectiveness of these neighbourhoods. People resort to driving as it's the safest way to get around. Protecting our 15-minute neighbourhoods must start with prioritising pedestrian safety.

Here's an illustration of two distinct neighbourhoods: in the current block model, all roads are prioritised for motor vehicles, leaving very little public space for pedestrians and cyclists. The super block concept prioritises pedestrians and restricts the few car owners to the grid's central roadways. As a result, superblocks offer additional recreational places and infrastructure for pedestrians. Remember that by making basic modifications to land use and implementing a few policies, we could transform our neighbourhoods into versatile, safe, and sustainable spaces.

Road infrastructure is designed for men - bus step heights & duration of #pedestrian lights for example. Safety is a crucial missing link in road design. Pedestrian infrastructure like foot overbridges & subways tend to be dark, unwelcoming spaces that are unsafe for #women. This International #WomensDay, let us focus on improving & revamping our public infrastructure to be inclusive.

Most neighbourhoods in Indian cities tend to have all basic essentials within 15 minute walking/cycling or public transport distance of residences. Is your neighbourhood also like this?