Unruly vehicular traffic troubles pedestrians

KOCHI: As per the pedestrian audit done by the Centre for Public Policy Research in the city, the threat from vehicular traffic was biggest problems faced by the pedestrians of Kochi. More than 50 per cent of the respondents pointed out that it was ‘unruly traffic’ that was the biggest issue faced by them.It is not surprising as many of our roads do not have relegated space for footpaths and pedestrians have to literally compete with vehicles for the precious leg space.Overflowing gutters, heaped garbage and absence of pedestrian crossing were other major problems faced by the pedestrians of Kochi as per the report.Meanwhile, contrary to the popular perception, only 4 per cent of the pedestrians found pavement dwellers and hawkers as an obstruction to their transport.Asked about the ways to make roads pedestrianfriendly, the majority of the pedestrians, 48 per cent felt better regulation of traffic was the answer while 42 per cent called for improvement in pedestrian pathways.Separate pathways for each vehicle was another most quoted suggestion.On the governance and maintenance of the roads, the majority felt that the government must take up steps to solve the problems faced by pedestrians.But a large number, about 30 per cent, also pointed out that collective effort on the part of various stakeholders was crucial for bringing a solution to the issue.Meanwhile, a large number also felt that vehicle drivers must take the initiative