Footbridge fails to lure jaywalkers in Riffa

Manama : Even months after opening, pedestrians in Riffa  continue to ignore the footbridge here. Commuters cross the busy road through other openings near the bridge, thereby putting their lives in danger. People prefer crossing from a nearest convenient location, and the absence of side-barriers alongside the road makes it easier for them. 

Earlier a footbridge was constructed at the Riffa in an effort to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The bridge is situated in one of the busiest areas with a huge number of pedestrians crossing the busy road daily.

Speaking to DT News, a concerned citizen said, “It is the attitude of the commuters that has to be blamed. People who use these shortcuts think that it will take lot of effort to climb up the stairs and go down again. By crossing directly they save the effort and time. Some of those even fear about their safety. They fear of being mugged during the night.”

However, an expert who requested anonymity said that the authorities concerned must introduce a  campaign about the risk involved in unsafe crossing. “Strict rules must be followed and taken against those who break it.” 

“Drivers are usually under the impression that the commuters use the bridge, so they tend to speed on signals, increasing the risk of accidents,” he said.

The increase in traffic over the past has led to many accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles, forcing the authorities to build the footbridge.