Bengaluru May Raise Footpath Riding Fine to Rs 5000 to Protect Pedestrians

The Karnataka government is planning tougher action against motorists who ride on footpaths in Bengaluru. Urban Development Minister Krishna Byregowda has written to Transport Minister Byrathi Suresh, recommending that the penalty for riding motorcycles and other vehicles on pedestrian pathways be increased from Rs 500 to Rs 5000. The proposal aims to discourage repeated violations and make footpaths safer for people walking across the city.

The move comes shortly after the city intensified its drive to remove encroachments from footpaths. While several pedestrian pathways have been cleared, authorities have noticed that many riders are now using the newly freed spaces as shortcuts, creating fresh safety concerns for pedestrians.

In his letter, the minister pointed out that the Supreme Court has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting the right of pedestrians to use footpaths safely. He noted that the ongoing encroachment removal campaign across different civic zones has received positive public feedback. However, allowing motorcycles or other motor vehicles to use these spaces would defeat the purpose of restoring them for public use.

Krishna Byregowda also highlighted that complaints from residents about vehicles riding on footpaths have increased in recent weeks. According to him, many riders continue to use pedestrian pathways without fear of penalties, putting walkers at serious risk of accidents. He argued that a higher fine would serve as a stronger deterrent and help reduce such violations significantly.

The proposal is expected to particularly target frequent offenders, including delivery riders and users of electric scooters who are often seen entering footpaths to avoid traffic congestion. Officials believe stricter enforcement, combined with higher penalties, could improve road discipline and restore pedestrian confidence.

The minister also reviewed Bengaluru’s traffic situation during a meeting with senior traffic police officials. He expressed concern that existing parking regulations, including the alternate parking and one side parking systems, are not being properly followed by motorists or consistently enforced by authorities. According to him, effective implementation of these rules could free up an additional seven to eight feet of road space, helping traffic move more smoothly without major infrastructure spending.

He stressed that creating awareness about parking regulations should be given priority before investing huge amounts in large scale traffic projects. Better compliance with existing rules, he said, could immediately ease congestion on several major roads.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was the location of bus stops near busy intersections. The minister observed that buses stopping too close to traffic signals often contribute to long traffic queues and delays. He directed officials to ensure that bus stops are located at least 75 meters away from traffic signals and 50 meters from road junctions. Bus stops that do not meet these guidelines should be relocated as soon as possible to improve traffic flow.

If the proposal to increase the fine receives approval, Bengaluru could introduce one of the toughest penalties in the country for riding vehicles on footpaths. The initiative reflects the government’s broader effort to prioritize pedestrian safety, strengthen traffic discipline, and create more organized urban mobility across the city.