How to fix walkability hurdles in Bengaluru?

Should a 77% increase in pedestrian deaths in Bengaluru city from 2021 to 2023 be surprising at all, when our footpaths are so notoriously un-walkable, edging out everyone to stray onto the dangerous roads? Research by the World Resources Institute Ross Center and the Global Road Safety Facility has shown that the most effective way to prevent traffic deaths is a systemic approach that shifts responsibility away from the drivers and pedestrians using the roads, and instead puts the onus on city planners and officials designing them. The study notes: “Analysis in 53 countries found that cities that have taken a ‘Safe System’ based approach have achieved both the lowest rates of fatalities per 100,000 inhabitants and the greatest reduction in fatality levels over the past 20 years.” As Nikita Luke, Project Manager, Health and Road Safety at WRI, points out, “Countries like Sweden and the Netherlands adopted the Safe System approach over two decades ago, resulting in a significant reduction in traffic fatalities to between three and four deaths per 100,000 residents—a decrease of over 50%. This is achieved by instituting structural fixes like better sidewalks, bike lanes, high-quality public transport, safer vehicles, and faster emergency response.” In this context, how safe are the signal-free corridors in Bengaluru? Traffic calming has become absolutely necessary.” Driving by the Budget allocation Interestingly, the data-based identification of the problem and targeted budgeting showed that 65% of the footpaths in the 16 wards surveyed could be fixed in under ₹40 lakh.