Pedestrians’ safety is low priority in Pune

The survey by a city-based organisation has reiterated the fact that Pune is far behind in providing adequate pedestrian facilities. It has a long way to go as far as availability and usability of footpaths, safe crossings, and amenities like lighting, shade and benches on footpaths are concerned. The report also showed that the city needs to improve on the treatment that pedestrians receive.

Parisar, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working for sustainable transport in the city, conducted the survey on behalf of Clean Air Initiative (CAI). CAI provided a toolkit, adapted from Global Walkability Index toolkit and developed for the World Bank, for carrying out the study.

The findings, the results of which were released on Tuesday, comprised assessment of footpaths in the city under ‘field walkability’, pedestrian interviews of over 300 people and interviews of stakeholders.

The results point out that while walking and cycling share 33% of the total transport trips in Pune, there are no sidewalks or pedestrian facilities in most parts.

The survey was conducted in commercial areas, public transport terminals, educational areas and residential areas covering a total of 28.65 km, including 3.15 km in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Overall, Pune’s walkability index was about 54 on a maximum of 100.

It scored poorly — less than 60  — on pedestrian infrastructure (footpaths, crossings and modal conflicts) and motorist behaviour, and got the lowest scores — less than 40 — for amenities  (benches, lighting) and  access  for  the  disabled. Among different types of areas, residential areas fared worst with a score under 50, while commercial areas fared best with a score of 57.