Pedestrian deaths in Bengaluru hit a shocking 282 in 2023, exposing the city’s worsening road safety crisis. Uncontrolled traffic, reckless driving, and a lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure have made walking increasingly dangerous.

Motorcycles, Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), and lorries were responsible for 75% of pedestrian fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for better enforcement and road design.

Danger zones: North & West Divisions

The North Division reported 91 deaths—32% of the total—making it the deadliest area for pedestrians. LMVs were the main threat on Ballari Road, lorries on Tumkur Road, and motorcycles on local streets. The West Division also saw rising fatalities, with LMVs and three-wheelers posing major risks.

South & East: High-risk corridors

In the South Division, Outer Ring Road and NICE Road saw frequent pedestrian fatalities, mainly due to lorries and LMVs. The East Division was similarly dangerous, with lorries hitting pedestrians on Old Madras Road beyond KR Puram and motorcycles causing deaths on arterial routes. Fatalities were most common in daylight, but poorly lit roads saw more nighttime deaths.

Motorcycles: The silent killers

Over a third of pedestrian deaths involved motorcycles, which remain a major safety hazard due to reckless riding and poor pedestrian infrastructure.

“With pedestrian deaths rising, Bengaluru seems to be earning the title of No City for Pedestrian Safety,” said activist Lohith D, calling for urgent enforcement and safer road designs.