The Danger of Broken Pedestrian Infrastructure
In many developing countries pedestrian infrastructure, and infrastructure in general, is sorely lacking. Even in major capital cities, like Bangkok, Manila, and Delhi, roads can be, and often are, in poor condition and sidewalks in even worse shape. Of course, this issue also effect developed countries. Many cities in Europe, especial with old cobblestone paths, have the similar issues.
What is Broken Pedestrian Infrastructure
Broken Pedestrian Infrastructure could be anything from abandoned and unfinished sidewalks to walk areas that have dilapidated over time, created holes, edges, drop-offs, and/or uneven surfaces. Places where bricks have been used, it could be that bricks have cracked, gone missing, or have become loose.
A city like Bangkok has pretty good pediatrician areas in the city center and near popular tourist locations, but as you move into more local areas sidewalks are in some state of disrepair. A city like Manila has good pediatrician areas in the richest sections of the city, but outside of that, even in places that popular with tourists, most sidewalks are in a very sad state. Finally, a city like Delhi is just a shit show. Very little to no good infrastructure for pediatricians.
How to Stay Safe
Firstly, wearing good shoes is a big help. This might seem like a no-brainer, but I’ve seen more than enough tourists walking around in flimsy flip-flops in tropical countries. Shoes with thicker bottoms will help protect your feet from jagged and broken stone work.
Pay attention to the terrain. Again, this seems like a no-brainer, but most people walk around like zombies these days, more concerned with their smartphone than where they’re walking. If you’re wearing backpacks on your front, as is good a technique for preventing pick-pocketing, this will impair your field of vision.
Walk in the road. This can be a bit dicey, but if traffic allows it, walking on the side of the road might provide a better experience. Again, you need to pay extra careful attention if you do this.
In general, the main take away is paying attention to the terrain. Watch for places where there uneven pavement, stones poking up, and for lose materials on sidewalks. Sometimes it’s better to take things a little slower to avoid a trip to a hospital.
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