The minute we take our car out, we can see how other people’s cars are a nuisance.
A brisk morning walk burns calories, strengthens muscles, works the lungs and
gets the blood racing. If you get up at dawn and drive to the gym or park to
engage in this virtuous exercise, you probably encounter dozens of fellow
walkers, eyes fixed on their trainer-clad feet. For the rest of the day, how
many of these well-heeled exercisers will actually walk to go somewhere?Those who own cars often lament that ‘banks are giving loans left and
right, and everyone owns a car now.’ The minute we take our car out, we can see
how other people’s cars are a nuisance.
And we’ve set a fine example for our children. Many of them ride a moped to
school or demand to be dropped in a car instead of riding the bus, walking or
cycling. The roads are undoubtedly less safe than when we went to school, but
do they become safer if everyone is driving his own vehicle? Most school
entrances are a traffic nightmare in the mornings, and that endangers the
children.
Driving can become an unthinking habit. We like to arrive fresh at work or
for a concert, but after a while we start reaching for the car keys just to
pick up a bar of washing soap. If we left the car behind, we would be fitter
and more important, we would leave breathing room for others.
Sometimes, we fail to notice that new grocery stores, tailors and salons
have opened up within walking distance. Unless we need to buy in bulk, it
doesn’t make sense to cross town, suffer through traffic, and spend on petrol
and parking just in search of lower prices.
Indian car-owners are conscientious about mileage, but responsible
transport doesn’t stop there. We can check our emissions annually even when
there isn’t a cop to remind us. We can resist the urge to buy a bigger car,
which will consume more fuel and space. We can put up with 10 hot minutes
instead of running the engine and AC during a halt. We can car-pool with
friends, especially when parking is tight at our destination. We can walk to
the car instead of having it brought round for the sake of our dignity.
Many cities have a metro and other transport options and it is worthwhile
to explore them. Buses are not always crowded. Some distances are perfect for
cycling even if they’re beyond a walk. A cap and a comfortable pair of shoes
help us walk further. We can take a cue from families who have no option but to
walk. They carry sturdy shopping bags, pack things practically and expect each
family member to share the load.
Yes, the streets are often dirty and the sidewalks are cluttered with goods
and signs. That’s because the officials who should be regulating them don’t
walk and can’t see what needs to change. Many of us belong to residents’
welfare committees, neighborhood clubs or local business associations and can
do something about it. The solution to congested roads is not just to retreat
into our cars and clamor for flyovers and wider highways. We must also demand
safe and well-connected public transport, and clear and well-lit footpaths.
Foot traffic makes the streets safer for everyone and is good for local
businesses. When pedestrians get a better deal, we will all live better for it.
The art of scaling down
* Patronize shops and vendors within walking distance.
* Scale down transport when you can, a scooter instead of a car, a cycle
instead of a scooter, especially when parking is scarce.
* Mix it up. If you need to get into a wholesale market or other congested
area, drive to a point and then walk from there.
* If the way to school doesn’t seem safe, group younger children with older
ones to walk or ride the bus. Or walk with your child rather than driving him
to school.
* Never block a footpath in front of your house with debris or vehicles.
* Use the muscle of your local associations and clubs to improve the
footpaths near you.
Courtesy: The Hindu
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