In Bangalore, India, motorcyclists who plough onto footpaths caring little for the safety of pedestrians will now lose their driving license.
The City police have launched a special drive to enforce stringent measures – from penalizing to suspension of licenses – to check driving on the footpath.
There has been a consistent increase in the number of footpath riding cases in the last three months in the City. According to statistics, as many as 557 cases were booked in January, 1,105 in February and 1,588 cases in March this year.
“We are seriously considering suspending the license. The licenses of even first time offenders will be seized and suspended. All the traffic inspectors have been directed to be extremely alert, especially at intersections and during peak hours, against such riders,” said M A Saleem, Additional Commissioner of Police. Police sources point out that such offences are most rampant at Tiffany’s Junction in Cubbon Park, Queen’s Road, in a few areas of Jayanagar and at 16th Main in BTM Layout.
A senior police officer said that Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike should clearly demarcate the road and the footpath. He said the footpaths should be raised from the road level to prevent bike riders easily climbing over them.
There have been several instances of pedestrians suffering injuries and in a few cases even being killed by the motorcyclists riding on footpaths.
A few violators, when caught, have been thrashed by the pedestrians. But many such cases go unnoticed as no complaint is lodged.
By: Krithika B C, Bangalore, Deccan Herald
Walkability Asia 
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