In Pune, bikers riding on footpaths to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams has become a common scene. One such video has gone viral on social media. "Neither roads... nor footpaths. Nothing is safe in Pune," an X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, sharing the video. Meanwhile, netizens have demanded that those violating the traffic laws and riding on footpaths should be charged with attempted murder.
"Footpath riding is not just a traffic violation but also a risk to pedestrians' lives. These offenders need to be charged with attempted murder," a user commented.
"Pedestrian lives have become a joke in Pune. In every major area, you will be able to see lots of two-wheelers riding recklessly in the opposite direction on the footpath. Sadly, @PuneCityTraffic police won't care," another user stated.
A third user said, "This is the most irritating thing... you are walking on the footpath, and people on bikes are honking or just pushing you and going..."
Meanwhile, Nachiket Deshpande, one of the vigilant Punekars who takes to X to report incidents of traffic violations to the police, speaking to The Free Press Journal, stated that bikers riding on footpaths has become a common phenomenon. "This is mostly seen in Koregaon Park opposite Westin, Sangamwadi Road, in Yerawada near Ritz Carlton, on Nagar Road near Vadgaon Sheri, opposite Four Points by Sheraton Hotel on Nagar Road — that too from the wrong side — and Mangaldas Road, among others," he said.
"To curb this, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) must install bollards on all footpaths. Traffic police must have a no-mercy enforcement policy. They should impound vehicles of the violators — nothing less," he added.
