No measure adopted by the authorities concerned proves adequate to discipline the unruly pedestrians of the capital Dhaka. According to experts, the tendency to defy traffic law on part of the pedestrians and commuters of the capital is the biggest obstacle to maintaining discipline and ensuring safety on streets in this mega city of more than 15 million people.
Urban planners say if the people spontaneously abide by traffic rules the long-awaited and desired discipline might be restored on the ever-chaotic streets of Dhaka. If the foot over bridges, footpaths and zebra crossings of the city were regularly used, the unending traffic congestion on the streets would have lessened drastically, they opine. In a bid to make the pedestrians of the capital the traffic department has recently resorted to counselling after all its sincere efforts made earlier failed to bring in any notable outcome in this regard.
However, the dangerous practice of crossing roads defying rules still continues. People from all age and sex groups are seen to cross the busy Dhaka city streets amid traffic when in most cases footbridges are just a few steps away. Meanwhile, frustrated pedestrians allege that most of the footpaths in Dhaka city are not pedestrian-friendly as these are dilapidated and most often blocked with construction materials and hawkers.
Some of the footbridges are also not covered and pose a security threat. Urban planners have repeatedly urged the government to make the city streets more pedestrian-friendly. They have also called for more awareness on the part of the commuters, saying nothing can be more precious than one’s life so one should refrain from jaywalking even if it is difficult for the sake of one’s own safety.
