Bengaluru: Despite ongoing efforts to reclaim footpaths from encroachments, Bengaluru continues to battle the growing menace of two-wheelers using pedestrian pathways as shortcuts, putting walkers at risk across the city.
According to Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP), 12,032 cases of riding on footpaths were registered during the first five months of 2026. The number follows a steady rise in violations, with nearly 19,000 cases in 2025, up from 17,000 in 2024, highlighting the persistent challenge despite enforcement efforts.
Footpaths remain unsafe for pedestrians
The issue remains widespread in busy commercial areas such as MG Road, Raj Bhavan Road and Richmond Road, as well as IT corridors including Whitefield, Marathahalli, Bellandur, Hegde Nagar and stretches of the Outer Ring Road. Residents say two-wheelers frequently use footpaths to avoid traffic congestion, forcing pedestrians onto busy roads.
The concern has gained renewed attention after Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda proposed increasing the penalty for riding on footpaths to ₹5,000.
Residents seek stronger enforcement
While many citizens have welcomed the proposal, they believe stricter penalties alone will not solve the problem. Residents have called for consistent enforcement, vehicle impoundment, suspension of licences for repeat offenders and improved monitoring through CCTV cameras.
Traffic police reiterated that footpaths are meant exclusively for pedestrians and warned that riding or parking vehicles on them is punishable under the Motor Vehicles Act. Officials said sustained enforcement, better engineering measures and public awareness are essential for lasting compliance.
Encroachments add to the challenge
Citizens also pointed out that many footpaths continue to be obstructed by parked vehicles, street vendors and loading activities. Although recent clearance drives have removed several encroachments, residents claim weak follow-up enforcement allows violations to return.
Urban mobility advocates have suggested installing bollards to physically prevent motorcycles from entering footpaths and deploying traffic wardens at busy junctions. Many also urged authorities to review delivery timelines imposed on quick-commerce riders, while stressing that commercial pressures cannot justify endangering pedestrians.