KATHMANDU: Metropolitan Traffic Police Division believes that 42 per cent of road accidents in Kathmandu are caused by pedestrians’ carelessness on the road.

MTPD spokesperson and Deputy Inspector General of Police Binod Singh told this daily that the pedestrians were more concerned about saving time rather than their and others’ lives. “Some of them not only cross the road dividers, but even jump nylon ropes joining the dividers. The dividers are there to ease traffic flow, reduce jams and check accidents,” said Singh.

However, the pedestrians have their own woes.

Kathmandu Valley’s zebra crossings have faded with time. In some places, there are no stripes left. Concerned authorities have not done anything, complained Saroj Basnet, a shopkeeper in Durbar Marg.

He said tourists often complain about faded zebra crossings.

Pramila Gyawali, a pedestrian, said, “At times street vendors make the footpaths so congested that we are forced to use the road. In Dillibajar, all footpaths are encroached upon by vendors peddling vegetables, mobile phones and radios,” said Gyawali.

Though pedestrians are supposed to use sub-way in Bhotahity, it has vendors all over and stinks of urine. Footpaths are used to park motorbikes or are encroached upon by street vendors. Overhead bridges are not safe during the night and cases of chain snatching have been reported there.

Road Department Engineer Ramesh Chaudhary said, “All the areas will have pedestrian crossings and people can cross the roads safely. The bidding for the contract is now open and the work will begin in a month.”

Chaudhary too blames pedestrians for recklessness: “When in hurry, pedestrians do not see traffic on both sides, often confusing the motorists.”