Ranchi: The increasing trend of motorists encroaching on footpaths by riding two-wheelers across city roads is not just a reflection of growing civic apathy, but also endangering pedestrians due to lack of effective enforcement. The city, already lacking proper pedestrian infrastructure, is now seeing the few existing walkways taken over by bikers trying to cut through traffic, especially during red signals.“There are hardly any footpaths in Ranchi. And wherever they do exist, two-wheelers climb up and use them like shortcuts. As soon as the traffic light turns red, riders hop onto the pavement and cause their own mini-traffic jam. Where are we supposed to walk?” said Rameshwar Yadav, a pedestrian near Kutchery Chowk. Residents across Albert Ekka Chowk, Circular Road, Jail More, Karamtoli, Morabadi, and Harmu have reported the same problem. Children, elderly people, and the differently abled are most vulnerable, with many saying they avoid footpaths altogether during busy hours. “I had to yank my daughter aside yesterday when a speeding bike suddenly came up on the side walk. These riders don’t even slow down. It’s terrifying,” said Swati Kumari, a homemaker from Lalpur. Priyanka Kumari, a college student who walks daily to classes, said, “Even when traffic police are present at intersections, they ignore bikers on the footpath.” According to her, morning and evening hours are the worst, especially near educational hubs.Adding to the issue is the absence of clearly demarcated or elevated pathways. In several areas, footpaths are either broken, encroached upon by vendors, or too narrow, forcing pedestrians to share space with reckless bikers. “Sometimes, we are forced to walk on the road as the footpath is either blocked or unsafe,” said Rafiq Alam of Circular Road. The lack of bollards or physical barriers on pavements makes it easy for riders to misuse them. Pedestrians believe the problem is rooted in poor urban planning and a lack of accountability. “Ranchi needs serious pedestrian-first infrastructure. Until traffic laws are enforced on the ground, riders will continue to flout rules without fear,” said Geeta Khanna of Lalpur.Multiple calls were made to Traffic SP and DSP to get their official response on the issue, but all attempts remained unanswered.
