Use of foot overbridges

Dhaka city has only a few foot overbridges or pedestrian overpasses that pedestrians use for crossing roads. Instead of pedestrians, these bridges are mainly used by floating people, beggars and hawkers. Sometimes, they are kept in such conditions that people avoid them and risk their lives by jaywalking indiscriminately.

These over-bridges were installed by the authorities to ensure safe road crossing for pedestrians and eliminate chances of road crashes. There are specific laws in the country to prevent people from crossing roads without negotiating the over-bridges, but very seldom are the law enforcers found to enforce it. We should simply realise that if we use foot over-bridges we can avoid accidents.

Despite laws, people jaywalk avoiding nearby foot over-bridges possibly because it saves their time and physical labour. If we could install escalators instead of stairs to reach the bridge, pedestrians would surely use them more. If we can make our over-bridges free from beggars, hijackers, hawkers and garbage, jaywalking will also decrease.

Afroza Sheikh

Dania, Dhaka

[email protected]