Pavements and traffic

I could write a tome, more a diatribe on the state of our roads and us users of our roads. To decide whether we are a superpower, or even an emerging one, or then a to-become-one, don't read the Economic Times. Do not watch NDTV. You will get lots of emphatic pronouncements that we are..

Walk out, drive out. On our roads.

There are many problems. I don't know where to start. The list is long.

For instance, Why will pedestrians not use pavements? Granted, many pavements are poorly maintained. Many pavements are broken and discontinuous. They are used by hawkers. There are electric pylons on some. Trees on other parts. Broken stones on some. Drainage covers left open on others.

But I see good pavements. And pedestrians walking next to them on the road. Cars and buses missing them by inches on their right side. With 3-4 ft of clear pavement on their left side. And they will not step on it. I have seen puddles of water on the road, and 'walkers' moving to the middle of the road to bypass the puddle rather than walk on the pavement!

An already crowded road is worse off with those walking wanting equal use. It is not uneducated people. It is everyone - exceptions are rare, very very rare.

Dear reader, after reading this post, observe yourself the next time you go out. And be aware of your actions, and others' around you.

Into pavement walking heaven, oh father, let my country awake.