Safety tips for pedestrians and cyclists

Kolkata, while known as the “City of Joy,” can be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists due to its dense traffic and limited infrastructure. However, by following key safety guidelines, both pedestrians and cyclists can significantly reduce risks and navigate the city more safely.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

1. Use Zebra Crossings and Pedestrian Bridges: Always use zebra crossings and pedestrian bridges to cross busy roads 7. Never cross a road until the traffic signal turns green 7.
2. Footpaths: Roads should have footpaths that are 1.5m to 3m wide without obstructions 5.
3. Be Visible: Wear light or reflective clothing, especially during dawn, dusk, or at night, to increase visibility to drivers 7.
4. Pay Attention: Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music while crossing roads 7.
5. Cross Roads Safely: Make sure vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing a roadway 7. Never assume a vehicle will slow down or stop 7.
6. Follow Traffic Rules: Obey traffic signals and crosswalk signs 5.
7. Awareness of Surroundings: Stay alert and aware of the traffic around you.
8. Use of Loudspeakers: Cops are setting up loudspeakers for announcements at crossings 1.
9. Pedestrian Signals: Pedestrian signals with timers will be made functional so that pedestrians know when they can cross 1.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

1. Obey Traffic Rules: Cyclists have to follow traffic rules, especially the one-way rule 6. They are often spotted moving in the opposite direction of the traffic flow 6.
2. Use Designated Cycle Lanes: Stick to designated cycle lanes wherever available 8.
3. Avoid Arterial Roads: Cycling is not allowed on main arterial roads due to safety hazards and traffic flow 6.
4. Wear Safety Gear: Always wear a helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.
5. Use Lights and Reflectors: Equip your bicycle with front and rear lights, and wear reflective clothing to enhance visibility, especially at night 7.
6. Hand Signals: Use clear hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
7. Maintain Your Bike: Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights to ensure they are in good working condition.
8. Be Predictable: Ride in a straight line and avoid sudden maneuvers.
9. Be Aware of Surroundings: Pay attention to traffic, pedestrians, and road hazards.
10. Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from vehicles and other cyclists.

Infrastructure and Enforcement

1. Pedestrian Barriers: Police and civic agencies are setting up pedestrian barriers and median dividers at busy stretches to prevent jaywalking 13.
2. Footpaths free of Obstructions: Each road should have footpaths of around 1.5m to 3m wide area without any obstructions 5.
3. Zebra Crossings: Zebra crossings at each intersection can be made more prominent and the pedestrians should also obey the traffic rules 5.
4. Strict Implementation of Traffic Rules: Making drivers give way to pedestrians at crossings and ensuring speed limits in areas of high footfall can save numerous lives 7.
5. Changing the Mindset: Pedestrian safety is not only about infrastructure or implementing rules. It is also about creating a culture where drivers and pedestrians respect each other 7. Both drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to share the road safely 7.

Addressing Specific Challenges in Kolkata

1. Footpath Obstructions: The footpaths should be free of stalls and temples, and garbage bins 5.
2. Air Pollution: Less polluting transportation such as cycles is key for improvement of air quality 9.
3. Traffic Police: Kolkata traffic police who have implemented the cycling ban on 64 major thoroughfares are themselves most vulnerable to air pollution 9.

By following these guidelines and promoting a culture of road safety, Kolkata can become a safer and more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city.