While driving or riding in the City, it is common to see a pedestrian suddenly running across the road instead of waiting for the signal to turn red. There are also a lot of roads where it is impossible to cross due to the lack of pedestrian crossings and dysfunctional zebra crossings. In such a scenario, what options are pedestrians left with other than jaywalking?
“In today’s times, everyone is in a hurry! So when the signal turns green, all you want to do is to go ahead. However, when pedestrians cross the road at that time, it leads to a roadblock. In some cases, it can even lead to an accident,” notes Shantanu Verma, a biker. “Once, a pedestrian jumped in front of my scooter and I swerved. I almost had an accident, not the pedestrian. Pedestrians are just being careless and if they get hit, they conveniently create a ruckus and blame the driver. How is that fair?” questions Shantanu, who faces the same scenario too often to dismiss it.
The situation, however, seems quite unavoidable since it is impossible for pedestrians to cross from one side to the other without putting their life at risk. The problem is faced by the common man at all hours of the day at the Mekhri Circle Bus Stop, Race Course Road, Uttarahalli Main Road, Sanjay Gandhi Bus Stop (Jayanagar 4th Block) and the Central Silk Board Junction to name a few.
“Most of the vehicles and bikes go beyond the zebra crossing during red light. The moment they see that it is a signal for pedestrians to cross, they take it as their green light. Even the elderly and disabled people are not spared of the run,” says Vigya Atri, a young professional. It is quite a crucial point considering many physically challenged people cannot avail of the skywalks in the City and wait for long periods to be assisted across the road.
These are not issues that have suddenly sprouted up but have been stuck in the pipeline for too long. “Pedestrians should be valued by the authorities just as much as the vehicle drivers. If the waiting time is too long, people are bound to start taking risks while crossing. To avoid that, crossings at the right place, more speed bumps and more functionally placed dividers are needed in the City,” advises Vijayan, who has been living here and facing the problem for 32 years. What is disturbing is that the common man is forced to relive the scary situation day in, day out.