43 - Two wheelers and Motorists in Pune

Dear All,

Just am back from a personal visit to Pune.

It is a nice city but quickly losing its older charm. The emerging industries, IT companies and others in and around Pune has attracted large scale emigration from all parts of the country and has increased crowds, congestion and pollution. In few more years it is going to become a dying city like Mumbai. But as usual, this is all off-topic. The topic really is about the age-old characteristic even tradition of Pune - i.e. two wheelers.

Older Pune was abundant with bicycles - pedestrians used to be in mortal fear of being knocked down even on the foot-paths. As children we were always warned with one mantra - watch out for the cycles! Today cycles have given way to bikes, scooters and scootys ... even 14 year old kids are whizzing past on easy to start and automatic gear two wheelers. Large number of two wheelers are competing with increasing number of three wheelers and cars of all shapes and sizes.

And the pedestrian fears have increased manifold !

Personally I was witness to a small accident. One senior member of our family was knocked down by a scooty speeding down as he crossed a narrow (8 feet wide) road. Luckily he escaped with a few minor bruises and a sore shoulder. The driver was a teenage girl who herself was scared out of her wits by the accident. What struck me was her immediate apology and comment after the incident "It was neither his fault nor it was mine ... he crossed the road and I thought he had seen me and would stop"!

While this comment may seem idiotic, this is characteristic of the driver ethic in Pune. Drivers assume that pedestrians should be cautious and stay out of way of vehicles. Frankly, I do not believe this is acceptable. It should be remembered that pedestrians do not have to apply for a license but drivers do. The intention of this is that driving a vehicle is not a right, but a privilege. With that privilege also comes a responsibility to protect the safety of self and those around. If a driver fails in this responsibility and is part of an accident, he or she definitely is responsible for this. I think two wheeler drivers in Pune (and even other cities including Mumbai) need some lessons in road safety and civil behaviour. But then, this is known since the last century.

God Save Pune.

Best Regards

Gotya