Sg tries to friendlier to the blind. The curbs leading to the pavements are now flattened and replaced with dimpled tiles. This is well and good. Certainly, we can do more for those more in need.
However, this leads to not so good side effects.
Cyclists find it much easier to cycle on the pavements. They are now king of the pavements instead of pedestrains. I am quite OK with sharing the pavements with cyclists, but cyclists need to be educated that pedestrains are priority number ONE, not them. They need to slow down. A speeding 50 kg person on a bicycle can do lots of damage.
What is worse is that motorcyclists are also finding their way onto the pavements. If you don't believe me, just go to any HDB estate. You'll see many motor bikes parked on the pavements. How do they get up there? They use the pavements for parking or as shortcuts to their destinations.
This morning, while walking on the pavement, two motorbikes with pillion passengers, passed by me on the pavement. Though, they were going slowly, it does not mean that accidents cannot happen. Unaware pedestrains, like playful children can run into them. Major damages can result from these relatively heavy vehicles.
We have all kinds of pedestrains. From the old with walking aids, to the young in prams, to the more challenged in life. Pedestrains need to be protected.
My stand is that motorised vehicles must be banned from pavements, and that include those motorised bicyles. Traffic police and HDB wardens should just booked any motorised vehicles found parked on pavements. There is no excuse to be on the pavements.
Pedestrains should be allowed to enjoy their walk in peace.
Ever tried pushing a stoller, encountering a escalater that leads down to steps?