Daniel Bowen, a long time public transport advocate in Melbourne writes in his latest blog post about how the police are currently targeting and fining pedestrians for jaywalking, while at the same time ignoring the blatant illegalities of car drivers who block pedestrian crossings. Daniel is writing about a different issue in a different city, but his closing words are equally applicable to the attitude of the NSW Roads and Maritime Services in their pursuit of removing pedestrian and cycle paths in the name of ‘progress’.

Pedestrian space is being constantly encroached upon, and almost nobody cares. And how is it that the excesses of people in their metal boxes are condoned, while those walking around on their own two feet are marginalised?

I couldn’t agree more.

Melbourne police fining pedestrians while turning a blind eye to motorists. Photo by Daniel Bowen, used with permission.