Walking around Istanbul on a sidewalk can be very risky with infinite hazards all around. Sometimes, it is so bad walking, I feel like I am in game trying get from one place to another without losing my life. This is especially the case in older residential and commercial areas, which make up most of Istanbul. Sidewalks are in dire need of repair and upgrading in order to prevent injuries and deaths at the minimum.
Unfortunately, many local governments neglect sidewalks. They view it as low priority or simply they don’t care. However, when they do decide to repair or replace sidewalks, the cheapest material is used. In addition, instead of pouring concrete, they tend to use very low quality uneven bricks with unskilled labor. Thus, it results in the same condition as before.
Furthermore, when the local authorities and police fail to do their jobs, people take advantage of it. Consequently, people park on the sidewalks and scooters race up and down the sidewalks like racetracks. If a pedestrian has to walk in the street because of a parked car on the sidewalk, they risk getting hit.
Although there are no official records of injuries and fatalities related to sidewalks accidents, the number must be quite high. Broken bones, cuts, twisted ankles, sprains, bruises are common injuries that ER doctors treat. I have seen many people fall, get hit and injure themselves while walking on the sidewalks. Even I have broke my hand, cut my knee and sprained my foot.
For the elderly and disabled, it is literally impossible to go outside without exposing themselves to high risk.
Common hazards on the sidewalks:
- Parked cars covering the whole sidewalk
- Holes and deep ditches
- Uneven and not smooth
- Narrow (bumping into other people + run-ins)
- Telephone poles and signs in the middle of the sidewalks
- Mopeds and scooters riding on the sidewalks
- Pipes
- Loose or uncovered manholes
- Trash and rocks
It is really simple to solve this problem. However, the government simply doesn’t care. Only, if they realized the huge political and economic benefits, then they would act. The benefits completely outweigh the costs any day.
Benefits of better sidewalks:
- Less injuries and fatalities (safer)
- Increased business activity (street shopping)
- Faster commute times
- Happier people
- Healthier people (exercising)
- Reduced pollution
- Less traffic
- Higher productivity
To sum up, Istanbul desperately needs to build better sidewalks in a mobile city with millions of people walking around. Better city management, oversight, and accountability is essential to make walking safer. Also, with better law enforcement by the police, people will not have to walk in the streets.
