Pedestrian-friendly city?

Dubai: New pedestrian bridges built in the city by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) are poorly maintained with broken air conditioners and elevators, Gulf News has found.

Built as part of the RTA's ambitious Dh70 million project to convert Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city, the plush glass facades across some streets tell a different story.

Glass panes scorched by heat have ruptured; glass lids of lights have burst due to heat while dirt and dust accumulated over a period add to the rusty appearance. At some crossings, users have complained that elevators have broken down and escalators are not working.

According to them, the poor maintenance of the pedestrian bridges is defeating the purpose of making life easier for pedestrians.

For instance, the pedestrian bridge in front of Al Ghusais Police Station across Beirut Street, one of the first to be installed by the RTA, has been without air- conditioning for several months.

Residents have said the sweltering heat inside the glass structure makes the three-minute walk a test of endurance.

"It has been like this, without air-conditioners, ever since I have been using it. The heat inside is unbearable," said a policeman who would not give his name.

He added that he uses the bridge every day and wished authorities would consider the maintenance aspect of it.

Another resident, Ashkar, who works in a paint shop in the area, said it was sad to see that nothing was being done about the shattered glass and broken lights.

"Millions have been spent to build these and it would make a lot of sense to spend a few hundred on them to keep them clean and in good condition," said Ashkar.

Sasi Choudhary, a relationship officer at a bank, said that for four days, escalators of the pedestrian bridge on Abu Baker Al Siddique Street were not working.

"For three days last week, the escalator was not working. Now that it is all right, the lifts have broken down. I must say that the maintenance is poor."

Naveen Nath, a private company employee, said pedestrians are hesitant to use the bridges and still resort to jaywalking across the street.

"I think underpasses would have been a better choice as they spare us the hassle of climbing up the elevator or steps," he said.

Residents also complained about similar problems like faulty air-conditioners in the pedestrian bridge on the Airport Road near the Habtoor showroom.

Many who spoke to Gulf News said the municipality should be cleaning the facilities regularly as the bridges are getting dirty.

It is a violation to cross in undesignated areas and on roads that have a speed limit above 80kmph. Pedestrians will be fined Dh200 for such violations.

• 754 Pedestrian accidents reported in Dubai in 2007
• 665 Pedestrian accidents reported in 2008

Emirates Road

• 26 Accidents
• 14 Fatalities

Shaikh Zayed road

• 23 Accidents
• 12 Fatalities

Al Quoz Industrial Road

• 81Accidents
• 8 Fatalities

Pedestrians are fined for jaywalking, but if they use zebra crossings, none will stop for them to cross safely. Tourists, especially have to be warned that while using the zebra crossings, they have to make sure that the road is clear to cross. Unlike other places in the world, drivers in the UAE are not very pedestrian-friendly.
Suraya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 13, 2009, 16:38

We need more zebra crossings with traffic lights on every major road, as well as every 200 metres
Dada
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 13, 2009, 13:17