Navigating Footpaths: A Trend Among Corporate Riders!

Although the title of this article may appear unusual, it holds a significant truth. In Bangalore, the IT capital of India, many “professionals” are among the major culprits when it comes to riding their bikes on footpaths.

On a daily basis, I witness approximately 20-25 instances where individuals with backpacks recklessly choose to ride on footpaths to bypass traffic, and it’s likely that a considerable number of these individuals are employed by multinational companies. This behavior puts pedestrians’ lives at risk merely to save a few minutes of their time. The responsibility for enforcing and educating these riders cannot solely rest on the traffic police; each one of us must adhere to the rules and ride on the roads, not on footpaths. Perhaps corporate companies should take the initiative to educate their employees on following traffic rules. HR professionals reading this article should consider organizing “traffic manners” sessions for their employees.

While some government advisors may have suggested installing bollards to prevent footpath driving, it seems that such measures have not been widely implemented yet. Let us hope that changes soon, for the safety of pedestrians everywhere.

Though city infrastructure may play a role in influencing people’s behavior, it should not be taken as an excuse or be taken for granted. It is essential to spread this message and work towards bringing about a positive change. If I am mistaken, kindly correct me, but isn’t doing the right thing crucial?

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