Footpaths in Bengaluru are meant to be safe havens for pedestrians—designated spaces under the law meant for walking, away from the dangers of vehicular traffic. Yet, across our city, these essential public spaces have been aggressively commandeered by two-wheeler riders seeking shortcuts.

The Reality on Our Streets - Riding on the footpath is not merely a "traffic violation"; it is a criminal act that endangers life (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 281). Despite this, it has become normalized behaviour in many parts of Bengaluru, especially CBD.

We routinely witness the consequences of this lawlessness:

• Vulnerable Citizens at Risk: Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and parents with young children are frequently forced off the path and onto the main road by aggressive riders.
• Daily Injuries and Intimidation: Pedestrians who stand their ground are often met with verbal abuse. Incidents of pedestrians being clipped, having their feet run over, or suffering falls while dodging speeding vehicles are common.
• The "Silent" Menace: A growing and dangerous trend is the use of unregistered electric scooters, particularly by delivery partners. These vehicles are silent, often driven recklessly, and because they lack number plates, offenders cannot be identified or penalized.

We Demand Systemic Solutions - We, the undersigned citizens of Bengaluru, urge the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and Bengaluru Traffic Police to move beyond sporadic fines and implement permanent solutions.

We demand the following immediate actions:

A. Engineering Solutions (GBA)

We demand the immediate installation of physical infrastructure to make riding on footpaths impossible in high-density areas. This includes installing properly spaced bollards at all footpath entry and exit points. These must be designed to allow free passage for wheelchairs and pedestrians while effectively blocking motorized two-wheelers.

B. Accountability for Commercial E-Fleets (The "Loophole Closure")

Mandatory Identification Plates: We demand that ALL electric two-wheelers used for commercial delivery (regardless of speed or motor capacity) be required to display a Unique Identification Number (large, high-contrast plates at front and rear). This allows citizens and CCTV cameras to report violations even if the vehicle is exempt from standard RTO registration.

Vicarious Liability: The companies providing these vehicles or employing these riders (Aggregators/Delivery Platforms) must be held vicariously liable for traffic violations committed by their fleet. If a rider is caught on the footpath, the penalty should extend to the platform to force them to stop incentivising dangerous shortcuts.

C. Zero-Tolerance Enforcement (Traffic Police) 

We demand a clear directive be issued for a zero-tolerance policy towards footpath riding. Offenders caught must imposed the highest fines, have their licence cancelled, face immediate seizure of their vehicles and be booked under the strictest relevant sections of the law to serve as a genuine deterrent.

A walkable city is a safe city. It is time to reclaim our footpaths from illegal vehicular traffic and prioritise the safety of citizens.

Sign this petition to demand safe, walkable footpaths in Bengaluru now.