An article in the Guardian has brought to light, again, a chronic problem faced by Athenians and tourists alike, connected to the city’s lack of pedestrian culture and what is considered to be an ‘accesibilty crisis’ – Athens’ dangerous sidewalks.
The Guardian points out that Athens’ sidewalks are a minefield of hazards, from uneven paving stones to illegal parking, endangering both residents and tourists, including a Guardian writer herself.
And with increasing numbers of visitors and growing safety concerns, officials are pressured to address the city’s pedestrian infrastructure problems.
The Problem with Car-Ownership Rates
Poor infrastructure mixes with problems stemming from a high rate of car ownership, says the Guardian.
Athens has one of the highest rates of car ownership at 816 vehicles per 1,000 people, making it challenging to find parking. As a result, many drivers resort to parking in the only places they can find- the sidewalks.
Mayor Haris Doukas acknowledged the concerns to the Guardian, and explained that he plans to improve pedestrian conditions by tackling illegal parking, repairing damaged pavements, and introducing accessibility ramps. However, experts argue that these measures alone may not be sufficient.
Call for a Comprehensive Approach
Urban planner Alexandros Bartzokas-Tsiompras advocates for a more comprehensive approach, says the Guardian.
Tsiompras says there is a need for improved public transport, the creation of bike-sharing stations, and the introduction of a congestion charge to reduce reliance on cars. Such measures could make Athens’ streets safer and more accessible for all.
Deputy Mayor Andreas Grammatikoyiannis supports this vision, emphasizing the need to restrict cars from the historic center to prioritize pedestrian safety. He argues that reimagining the city’s transportation policies and pedestrian infrastructure is crucial for improving walkability and ensuring a safer environment for both locals and visitors.
While it seems that politicians are aligned that they need to address the safety of sidewalks and quality of life for both Athenians and visitors by making the city more accessible, it remains to be seen if they will make or miss the mark, as previous efforts have generally failed and met with stark opposition, sometime from the same residents and business owners who complain about the city’s conjestion to begin with.
