10% is a useless/page filler statistic because 100% of people are pedestrians at some point of their transit.

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I suppose the statistic means that 10% walk at least some substantial distance - perhaps a km or two. Its sad that it is so low - given the ideal weather conditions. Clearly the primary reason for this is that its almost impossible to walk safely in most parts of Bangalore - no footpaths and even if there are - they are filled with obstructions.

I suppose this topic has been discussed ad nauseam on Praja though - and while one can say that in some places, for example Malleshwaram, they have improved the footpaths they are still not walkable. By improving the footpaths at leasts the roads have become better.

Personally I think there is no hope - its a combination of peoples mindset and govt apathy. We accept the situation no matter what.

In some areas I think they should just get rid of the footpaths and make the road all the way to the end - this way at least no space is being `wasted' on the useless footpath. People can then continue to walk on the road but the road will be wider.

Ramesh

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 10% is a useless/page filler statistic because 100% of people are pedestrians at some point of their transit.

The exact question has not been mentioned but i would believe of the people who were asked if they choose walk as a means of making journeys in their city over other available options only 10% said they would. It could also imply there are only 10% of people who use walk as their preferred mode of transport in the city possibly due to socio economic situations. This could imply the responders never choose walk as the infrastructure is not appealing enough to do so. 

Experience of walkable infrastructure in european cities has opened my eyes to what walkability means. It is even more amazing that they do not stop building flyovers and roads, but always ensure bicycles, buses and pedestrians share the infrastructure they build for cars.

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rs - noted your disparing rant - "there is no hope - its a combination of peoples mindset and govt apathy". Frankly, we need to retire this cliche based talk of mindsets and apathy. Apathy is a function of our own inquisitiveness. And mindset is a function of guidance and environment.

There are two things to realize - one of which Tarle said above and is very very big and important.

Each one of us is a pedestrian some time or other

Q) Why do you like to park your car right next to the shops, under Mr Sood's new no-parking sign boards and not at designated parking spots that almost always exist but are 50-100 meters away from where you want to go?

A) Absence of walkable pavements

Q) Why do you think people crowd around at intersections and not walk up to the bus stands that are usually 50-60 meters away from the intersections?

A) Absence of walkable pavements

Q) An office or shop or multiplex may be less than 2 km away from your house, yet you take out your car or bike to go there, why?

A) Absence of walkable pavements

Let us first build walkable pavements, and then see if mindsets change.

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Ramesh, not trying to force or pressure you, but would you want to kickstart a dialogue with BBMP/BDA on this and other road engineering stuff (that comes up on threads - like the KR Puram one). All we need as someone who will engage with BBMP regularly and take all this stuff we talk to them plus understand their side and explanations.

I know 2-3 more people who'd be interested in starting this, just that nobody wants to do it solo. One comes forward, more will join in.

Suhas, IDS, n etc will provide quality content support for these engagements.

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IDS - The reason for my dispairing rant is that people have been talking about pedestrian problems for the last several years - including the BBMP officials. Yet I cannot think of a single place built in the last few years in the entire 500 sq km of Bangalore where there is a decent, walkable footpath. The only place which has semi decent footpaths - which could be a model for the rest of Bangalore - is the BEL area. They have planned things with enough space for shops, people and buses.

But now BBMP is stepping in to the picture near Jalahalli - and they have already screwed things up. By widening the road on the one hand and not completing the footpath on the other they have cause an increase in traffic and reduction of walking space. I'm sure that within the next two years they will decide that all the beautiful trees, which in no way obstruct the road or the footpath, have to go.

I try to be optimistic about this city but every day I see things getting worse and worse and feel completely powerless to make any change. Praja comes up with many wonderful solutions to the existing problems. But is there a single instance where the suggestions have been successfully implemented and the problem solved ?

Ramesh

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 We accept the situation no matter what.

No we dont, does this thread look like an accepting one? or any other thread for that matter?

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HI SB

I'm happy to help in whatever way I can. But I must add that I am sort of sceptical that anything will work. Please contact me through the Praja email thing with more details.

In fact, I wanted to get involved in the Pedestrianization projects that were proposed by Das and others - I wasnt around when the first steps were taken but tried to contact Das on Praja after I got back  but havent heard from him I - I suppose he doesnt check the Praja email thing.

In any case I wonder if anything came out of that. Its another one of these wonderful ideas which never seems to end up taking off. In this case in fact Das did a lot of ground work and got support from the merchants etc. so I was optimistic that something  would come out of it but as far as I am aware nothing has come out of it so far. Which adds to my cynicism, pessimism and negative thought etc.

Ramesh

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I happened to go to Malleswaram 8th Cross - between Margosa and Sampige Road. Its a major market street and also is used as a major throughfare. So as a result it is normally hell on earth - packed with people and honking cars and busses.

For some reason - perhaps related to Dussera - they have closed it to traffic and what a transformation ! Its packed with people and vendors and is quite crowded - but still so relaxing to walk in. No stress and annoyance ! 

The only problem is that they havent done this thing with adequate thought - so they havent closed some of the smaller side roads ( East Park road and West Park Road ) so occasionally there is some vehicle which comes through and causes problems. They need to close these streets from 10th cross to 7th Cross - or at least make some provision for vehicles to turn around

And frankly, I dont think this has made any difference to the other streets so I dont see why they cant do this all the time.

I encourage all of you to pay a visit - and see what a difference it makes ! 

Ramesh

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