The Forgotten Majority on Our Roads
The Supreme Court's recent directive to the government to frame rules for the safety of pedestrians and non-motorised vehicle users is a moment of profound significance. It’s a long-overdue acknowledgment of a fundamental flaw in our urban design. For decades, our cities have been built with a single-minded focus: the car. In this relentless pursuit of accommodating more vehicles, we have systematically disenfranchised the vast majority—the people who walk, cycle, or use other forms of non-motorised transport.
I must commend the bench of Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia for their decisive intervention, prompted by a PIL from S. Rajaseekaran, chairman of the expert committee on road safety. Their actions have forced us to confront a reality we have long ignored: our roads are hostile environments for the most vulnerable.
A Failure of Design and Empathy
This issue isn't merely about traffic management; it's a reflection of our societal priorities. We build wider roads, flyovers, and expressways, but we forget the simple, essential footpath. A cyclist is seen as an obstruction, and a pedestrian is an inconvenience. This isn't just an oversight; it's a systemic failure of empathy and planning.
Reflecting on this, I am reminded of past thoughts on creating more sustainable and human-centric systems. Whether it was considering the environmental footprint of our choices, as I noted in my post on "How Green Is Your Car?", or emphasizing the need for clear structure in my internal discussions on automating content, the underlying principle is the same. We need coherent, well-thought-out frameworks that serve the whole, not just a privileged part. The chaos on our roads is a direct result of a lack of such a framework.
The core idea I want to convey is this — for years, I've observed our urban development leaning towards machine-centricity rather than human-centricity. I had pointed out the need for systemic shifts in how we view our public spaces. Now, seeing the Supreme Court step in, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those foundational ideas, because they clearly hold the key to building safer, more equitable cities.
Beyond Rules to a Cultural Shift
While the framing of rules is a critical first step, it cannot be the final destination. We need a paradigm shift in urban planning.
- Infrastructure First: Rules are ineffective without the infrastructure to support them. We need dedicated, protected cycling lanes and wide, uninterrupted footpaths.
- Enforcement and Education: There must be strict enforcement against encroachment on pedestrian spaces and a public education campaign to foster a culture of respect for all road users.
- Reclaiming Public Space: Our streets should be vibrant public spaces, not just corridors for vehicles. This requires a vision that prioritizes people over cars.
My call to action is directed at the policymakers and urban planners tasked with this responsibility. Look beyond the letter of the Supreme Court's order and embrace its spirit. The work initiated by individuals like S. Rajaseekaran and validated by Justices S K Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia is not merely a legal mandate; it is a moral imperative to build cities that are safe, inclusive, and truly livable for everyone.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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