A Belgian city has given texters a dedicated walking lane. What next? Instead of discouraging the practice, they are being given special attention and privileges.
Many of us have had the experience of almost being knocked down by someone with head bent over smartphone, reading or sending texts. The urge to stand still and let that person walk into you and make him or her feel sheepish is strong, but usually we step aside just in time.
But, as far as I’m concerned, it all depends on the width of the pavement. If there is enough space, why not have multi-lanes for specific purposes. For example, one for texters, another for family and friends who insist on walking abreast, forcing others to squeeze past if they can find a space or slowing down and walking as leisurely as the group who clearly aren’t in any particular hurry.
In the UAE, pavements need to have a lane for cyclists, who are usually employees of grocery stores. These are experts at weaving their ways through pedestrians without the need to get off their bicycles! I have often been taken by surprise by one creeping up behind me and the sudden sound of a bell alerting me of their presence. It can be quite a nerve-shattering experience. Even as I admire their skills on two wheels and the importance of the work they do for all of us who are so used to the luxury of ordering in, I do feel that they need to be restricted to a dedicated lane. Their need is greater than those who sport fancy reflective vests and helmets and buy expensive bicycles to indulge their passion for this hobby.
So, if texters and cyclists get dedicated lanes, what about people in groups such as family and friends? Shouldn’t they be granted the privilege too? Why should their togetherness be marred by others who object to their walking in rows of three or five and making sudden stops to look at something of interest?
And while we’re about this exercise, how about one lane for single folk in a hurry who don’t want to be impeded by clutches of humanity or solitary cyclists?
Back home, there’s no such problem as the pavements have long been taken over by vendors who ply their trade on the roadside. There’s no question of uprooting them as they have already paid a hefty commission to the policemen on their beat. So, one learns to sidestep and zigzag one’s way, frequently being forced on to the busy street where vehicles seem hell-bent on running you down. Going out shopping there is truly a matter of life and death, with never a dull moment.
I would like to make a humble petition to the authorities concerned to seriously consider widening pavements and marking several lanes to accommodate everyone. There should also be zebra crossings every few metres so that one doesn’t have to walk long distances to cross a road to avoid being fined. This last suggestion stems from a personal experience which involved me making a dash across an internal road only to be stopped short by some men in an unmarked car who were determined to ruin my day.
And, while we’re at it, why not have crossings on pavements, too, to allow shoppers to cut safely across pedestrians to get to the road?
So, please make life more convenient for us and just paint those lines. I am even willing to contribute to the cost of the paint if that helps.
I truly believe that wider pavements would solve many problems. They might even encourage people to walk more and fight the battle against obesity.
And, we mustn’t forget that there’s a chance of entering the Guinness World Records for more miles of pavement than roads!
