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17% people walk in Bangalore
Written By idontspam - 25 September, 2009
Bangalore Media Reports stats Transportation Infrastructure Pedestrian Infrastructure
Private vehicles in India account for 67.5% of motorised vehicles, carry 37% of the commuters and take up 67% of the road width. Buses account for 24.5% of motorised vehicles on the road and carry around 61% commuters, taking up 38% road width.
Refer: 17% people walk in Bangalore
COMMENTS
tsubba - 25 September, 2009 - 23:25
10% is a useless/page filler statistic because 100% of people are pedestrians at some point of their transit.
rs - 26 September, 2009 - 02:32
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
idontspam - 26 September, 2009 - 05:55
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.
silkboard - 26 September, 2009 - 06:34
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.
silkboard - 26 September, 2009 - 10:17
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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