Abstract:
Indian cities are undergoing rapid transition. Exponential increase in urban population has happened
at a pace much faster than the city has had time to adapt to. The result is a rapid decline in the quality
of public realm. In terms of transit, there has been a rapid rise in problems pertaining to congestion, air
pollution and loss of personal health. Much of this is attributed to rise in car ownership and a shift from
non-motorised modes for the sake of comfort and safety. This seems contrary to international trends
where walking and cycling are making a fashionable comeback. Last forty years in Western European
countries stand testimonial to the fact that an investment in non-motorised modes as the primary means
of transport can alleviate problems of pollution, congestion and safety on the road. With such trends in
the background, this thesis takes a look at the existing scenario for pedestrians and cyclists in India
both at country level and at city level (Bangalore). Existing projects, policies, legislation and their level
of implementation aimed at pedestrians and bicyclists in studied. Furthermore, provisions provided in
recent comprehensive transport plans are also analysed. Extensive field studies of streets with high
footfalls have been done along with surveys of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Physical design
recommendations for a ward in Bangalore and policy recommendations at national level are the final
outcome of this dissertation
