Editorial»
Right of way
AUG 14 -
The streets of Kathmandu are chaotic, there is no denying that. With Lorries, buses, microbuses, tempos, SUVs, taxis, small cars, motorcycles, bicycles and the occasional cow vying for space on the road, constant jams and long commutes are no surprise. Add to that assertive pedestrians, often sauntering with little regard to their own safety or to the established rules of the road (or sidewalks) and the problem only escalates. Despite designated crosswalks, it is all too common to see pedestrians crossing the street at their own discretion—simultaneously risking their life and disturbing the flow of traffic. And though there have been foot paths constructed for pedestrians around the city, many forego the sidewalk and join the wheeled traffic on the street anyway.
But brazen pedestrians are not wholly to blame. After a quick evaluation of the space available on the dilapidated sidewalks, it is easy to see why many choose to walk on the blacktop instead. Consider the combination of the crumbling pavement, a collection of puddles from the monsoon’s daily downpour and inadequate lighting to sure your footing at night and walking on the pavement seems like the rational choice. During the day the sidewalks pose even more obstacles: hawkers and nanglo pasals take up over half the width of the walkway, and, in addition, pedestrians must remain on constant alert for clever motorcycle drivers eager to circumvent the jammed traffic in the street. As for those trying to abide by the rules, broken and intermittent traffic lights leave obedient pedestrians with little guidance and speeding vehicles don’t always respect the right-of-way of pedestrians crossing at the designated zebra stripes.
Though in recent weeks, the traffic police have stepped up their patrol to monitor the behaviour of drivers, there is still no reprimand for pedestrians interrupting the flow of traffic. This is, in part, because there are no established laws outlining proper pedestrian behaviour. With a dearth of enforceable rules to outline pedestrian conduct, there is no way to force pedestrians to utilise the amenities created for them, like pedestrian bridges, crosswalks and sidewalks. Last year in conjunction with their pedestrian safety campaign, Abu Dhabi increased the fine for crossing the road in undesignated areas to Dh 200 (around Rs. 4,000) in a bid to combat jaywalking and reduce the number of pedestrian deaths on the road. In some cities in the United States, getting caught committing the same offence will come along with an average fine of US $100 (Rs. 7,500), but can reach as high as US $750 (Rs. 56,250). Arming Nepal’s traffic police with this weapon would prove handy in combating jaywalking, but like many other traffic rules in the capital, they are worthless if not enforced. However, taking note of the number of pedestrian accidents and deaths in Kathmandu, it is something to consider as, if nothing else, at least the threat of a hefty fine may deter pedestrians from jaywalking. More importantly, pedestrians should understand that rules and regulations are put in place along with crosswalks, bridges and sidewalks not add inconveniences to their daily routine, but rather to increase their own safety.
Posted on: 2010-08-15 07:55
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