Two-wheelers encroaching footpaths is a citywide issue

Bikers ride on the footpath while pedestrians walk alongside. Pics/Kirti Surve Parade

Instead of pedestrian heels, it is wheels on already encroached pavements as our two-wheelers have taken over footpaths in the city.

Hours post our front page report which has garnered huge response, supported by pictures showing two-wheelers treating the footpath as the road, the BMC took action, installing bollards on pavements in the Dadar-Matunga area. There are a few pavements in the city that have bollards placed to deter bikers. In some places, a bollard or two has been removed. In some instances, two-wheelers find a way to get through. One has to highlight that bollards mean wheelchair users pay the price as wheelchairs cannot get through these bollards. Wheelchair users are being punished for the transgressions of the bike riders.

If bollards are not enough of a deterrent, we must see traffic police taking action as this poses a significant danger to the public. Just like riding bikes on the wrong side on pavements has become a chronic problem.

This also affects seniors. Already, that demographic is literally tottering and finding it tough to balance on our footpaths, which are anyway reduced to slivers because of encroachment. With these riders, the problem is compounded manifold. Besides the immediate impact of our report, the police need to get cracking on what has become a danger to limb and, in some cases, life, too. We need signage about no riding on pavements.

One does understand that a constable cannot be posted on every footpath in Mumbai. Yet, if we can have periodic surprise checks in different areas to nab these riders turning our pavements into roads, then we will definitely see a dip in numbers.

Decision makers need a non-negotiable approach and have a long-term plan in place. A concerted, consistent campaign, akin to the drive against helmetless riding, will bring about some results and relief for pedestrians.