Playing Cat and Mouse with Cars: Overcoming the Daily Struggles of Asian Pedestrians

Walking, the simplest and most environmentally friendly mode of transport, holds tremendous potential for transforming our cities. It’s a mode of mobility that burns no fuel, emits no carbon, fosters community connections, and invigorates local economies. However, pedestrians in many Asian cities find themselves playing a dangerous game of “cat and mouse” with cars, enduring noise, pollution, and perilous street crossings. Despite walking constituting a significant portion of trips in these regions, policymakers often prioritize motorized transport, leaving pedestrians neglected. In this article, Debra Efroymson, Executive Director of the Institute of Wellbeing, Bangladesh, and Senior Advisor at HealthBridge, sheds light on the challenges faced by pedestrians in Asian cities and advocates for prioritizing walkability as a sustainable and equitable urban transport solution.