Just days after an article in the Guardian criticized the Athens area for its lack of pedestrian culture and precarious sidewalks, a pedestrian has been hit by a tram in Athens’ upscale southern district of Glyfada.
The accident occured just before 10 a.m., according to local media reports, at the intersection of Diadochou Pavlou Street and the very busy Vergoti Square.
Some reports have the victim being treated at a nearby hospital in good condition, while others report that the accident was fatal.
The Guardian article
The Guardian article, published over the weekend, highlights the ‘accessiblity crisis’ faced by residents in the greater Athens-Piraeus region and visitors alike, due to the “minefield” of hazards they face while meandering through the urban agglomeration.
From uneven pavement to illegal parking, the Guardian notes that pedestrians are put in danger due to the urban area’s – comprised of several municipalities, with the City of Athens the largest – poor infrastructure and lack of pedistrian culture.
Call for a Comprehensive Approach
Athens’ new mayor, Haris Doukas, has promised to make the city more accessible is his top priority, while urban planner Alexandros Bartzokas-Tsiompras advocates that a comprehensive approach is needed, including 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.
