Motorists increasingly violate pavements in Bengaluru

In Bengaluru, the presence of two-wheeled vehicles on footpaths is becoming a serious issue. In the first two months of 2025, the city’s Traffic Police fined 3,453 motorists for using the pavement, averaging 57 violations per day. Many more are going undetected, as riding on footpaths is becoming a common sight. Pedestrians, who are supposed to use these footpaths, feel unsafe. The streets are already congested, pushing more motorcyclists onto sidewalks. This practice endangers people walking and has become increasingly accepted in some areas. Local pedestrians express their frustration and fear about this growing problem. Suhasini R., a college student, shared her close call with a biker on the pavement. "It’s terrifying how normal this has become," she recalled. Senior citizens, like Sunil Kumar, are particularly at risk. They find it harder to navigate around speeding bikes. Many pedestrians now avoid walking altogether due to safety concerns. Street vendors are also affected. Raju, a fruit vendor, reported that bikers often encroach on his stall space, causing damage and frightening his customers. Meenakshi, a flower seller, mentioned that escaping from fast-moving bikes has become part of her daily routine. Bengaluru Traffic Police noted that 15,174 cases of footpath riding were reported in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year. They have introduced harsher penalties, including potential suspension of licenses, but the lack of change in rider behavior continues to worry many. Experts point to poor infrastructure in the city as part of the problem. Many found that Bengaluru's narrow roads push riders onto the footpaths as they try to save time. Prof. M.N. Sreehari emphasized that the city lacks proper attention to road infrastructure and pedestrian safety. According to guidelines from the Indian Road Congress, footpaths should meet specific width requirements, but these are often not followed. The city must prioritize pedestrian safety as traffic continues to rise.