Pedestrians also have a duty to keep shared paths safe

The recent ban on electric scooters along footpaths reveals a heavily skewed emphasis on the rights of pedestrians.

It is high time to also stress the responsibility of pedestrians to keep shared public paths safe for all.

This is crucial because, as pedestrians, we share paths with users of mobility vehicles. On numerous occasions, I have seen pedestrians with their heads down, engrossed in their mobile devices and oblivious to other shared-path users, such as cyclists and users of personal mobility aids. Worse, some were walking on bicycle tracks instead of footpaths. 

In tandem with infrastructural upgrades, we must build a culture of safety by educating pedestrians.

Without common sense and thoughtfulness for others, we will continue to have accidents that can be avoided. 

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