Karnataka is planning to raise the penalties on those who ride motorcycles on pedestrian footpaths in Bengaluru. That would help protect pedestrians and curb the number of violations of traffic laws that are now the norm in Bengaluru.
In a letter to the Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, Krishna Byregowda, Minister of Urban Development, has recommended that the existing fine for riding on footpaths be increased from ₹500 to ₹5,000.
Proposal to enhance road enforcement
The idea is coming from Bengaluru, as it is reclaiming footpaths from encroachments and improving infrastructure for pedestrians.
If there is a stiffer penalty for drivers who use footpaths to avoid traffic congestion, the minister believes a steeper penalty would serve as a more robust deterrent against drivers who put pedestrians at risk.
The new fine would be ten times greater than this one.
Focus on Pedestrian Safety
Footpaths are intended only for pedestrians, but in many parts of Bengaluru they are often used by two-wheelers during peak traffic hours.
Officials say enforcement of this is necessary because violations like this one:
Endanger pedestrians, especially children and senior citizens. Force people to walk on busy streets. Increase the risk of accidents. Undermine the purpose of dedicated pedestrian infrastructure.
The proposed higher fine is part of broader efforts to make the city's roads safer and encourage compliance with traffic rules.
Additional Measures Suggested
Apart from increasing penalties for footpath riding, the Urban Development Minister has also suggested other traffic management reforms.
These include:
- Stricter enforcement against illegal parking.
- Moving bus stops close to major traffic junctions to improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks.
- Better coordination between municipal and traffic agencies to improve road management.
- That way, both pedestrian and commuter safety can be improved by taking these measures, they say.
Crackdown After Footpath Clearance Drives
The proposal comes as municipalities have been removing encroachments from footpaths across Bengaluru. They’ve been clearing unauthorized buildings and barriers to make pedestrian pathways more accessible.
And officials say allowing motorcycles to continue using footpaths would undermine these efforts and discourage people from walking.
Proposal yet to be approved
At this stage, the increase in the penalty is still a proposal and has not yet been implemented. The recommendation will have to be reviewed by the authorities before the new fine can come into effect.
If adopted, Bengaluru would have one of the highest penalties in the country for riding motorcycles on pedestrian pathways.
A Step towards Safer Streets
Road safety experts have long advocated for stronger enforcement against footpath violations, noting that pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is critical in a rapidly growing city like Bengaluru.
The proposed increase in fines, coupled with better parking regulation and improved traffic planning, is expected to support the city's long-term goal of creating safer and more accessible public spaces for all road users.
