Whenever I travel to a new place, one of the first things I notice is how easy it is to walk around. For me, one of the clearest signs of a good city, town, or village is how accessible daily life is on foot. Unfortunately, many modern developments destroy that quality.
Growing up, I walked everywhere—especially to the nearest grocery shop or bus stop. Back then, roads were narrow because there were fewer vehicles, and there was space along the sides to walk. Moving on foot felt natural and safe.
As vehicle numbers increased, the roads began to widen. Today, many roads stretch from one compound wall to another, leaving no space for pedestrians. Step outside the house and I’m immediately in traffic. If I have to walk to the bus stop, I walk on the road alongside cars, bikes, buses, and trucks. I constantly look over my shoulder, hug the wall, and flinch as speeding vehicles pass inches away. Ironically, it has become safer to take a car to reach the nearest shop.
Cars have become first-class citizens. People have not.
Sometimes I wonder: did cars vote in the elections, or did people?
I’ve seen this pattern repeated in many places. Streets that were once comfortable to walk on are redesigned for vehicles and labelled “development.” Footpaths are narrowed, pushed aside, or removed altogether. Roads keep expanding, while space for pedestrians disappears.
Vehicles are remarkable inventions. They help us travel faster and farther. But long before cars existed, people moved on foot. Even today, many people don’t own cars or motorcycles. So why is everything built as if everyone drives?
Walkable streets feel alive. They breathe. Drivable streets feel rushed, loud, and suffocating. Streets should belong to people first—not the machines that pass through them.