Importance of streets

As the streets are the most valuable asset in any space. Street and the Pedestrians as the majority of stakeholders interact and mingle up regardless of the criteria of the sex, race, age, status, and regimes. They use streets to walk, stroll, shop, meet and generally engage in many social, economical, political, and recreational activities. Evidence has shown us that urban streets can positively contribute to perceived notions of safety, good health and walkability (Speck, 2018). Streets open an opportunity for improvement as they are subjected to continuous evolution. Streets acquire almost one-third of a city which directly or indirectly influences the rest and the environment surrounding it (Jacobs 1993). There was less focus on livability, safety, wellbeing which are the key factors to sustain in an urban area. (Southworth, 2003).

Streets and various uses

ITDP

Streets are the transition areas where people step out from one space to reach another or just to stroll off. A considerable amount of daily life is spent. The space for a variety of interaction between the various stakeholders; Pedestrians, Cyclist, transit users, Motorist, Freight and Service providers, vendors doing business.

Pedestrian Accessibility on Streets

In India, walking has been one of the majority functions, as one of the basic needs to commute to stroll to daily essentials. The bazaars and essentials alongside the very organically defined streets play major attraction points in the Indian context. In Asian cities, higher density streets are connected with the intersection of social interaction and placemaking with the inclusion of economic vitality of the streets (Ho, Douglas 2008). Many activities, small commercial businesses, entertainment and social functions thrive on the Indian streets, as it acts as a space room.

Pedestrianization is the most influential part of the streetscape, that directly relates to the liveliness and attractiveness of the street. A pedestrian sidewalk is a demarcated zone where motorised transport is restricted and just meant for pedestrians, to use it according to the various uses of walkability, strolling, interacting and mingling subjective to the place. It influences the relationship between the vehicles and shoppers and gives a buffer zone to the vitality of the space. Walking is the oldest accessible and affordable means of transport. As there is major growth in the urban population. With modern times and the technological advancements in the country, the streets functioned as mobility conduits for the ever-growing traffic and not for the gathering and market spaces (ITDP, 2014). For great streets, as termed by Jacobs (1993), space needs to be community catered and needs to cover and include all objectives of all users of various diversities in planning not only primarily focus on provisions for motorized traffic. The evolution of streets, mainly catering to that on ery many automobiles while overlooking the needs of other stakeholders, led to the decline of the streetscape in India. Thus, a step forward for intervention in the consideration regarding pedestrianization.

Pedestrian Walking Data

ITDP

As the urban transport situation deteriorates, there is the need and desire for pedestrian-friendly streets for better accessibility. There is the urge to build regenerated modes with sustainable means. Thus, more focus to restore the lost attractiveness of streets and chowks, making them pedestrianised. The urge to make it pedestrian-friendly does not imply the complete restriction of vehicles, rather a harmonious partnership of both.