Taipei Councilor Calls for Anti-Collision Barriers on Sidewalks to Boost Pedestrian Safety

Taipei City Councilor Chen Yi-chieh is urging the city government to install anti-collision facilities at high-risk intersections to prevent vehicles from veering onto sidewalks. This call comes in response to recent incidents, including a drunk driving case in Tianmu where a car crashed onto a sidewalk, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians.

Chen proposes that Taipei adopt international standards for bollards and guardrails, similar to those used in cities like Seoul, which has implemented steel anti-crash barriers after a fatal incident. She argues that current protective measures in Taiwan are insufficient, with some areas still using old concrete posts or purely decorative railings that lack proven anti-collision capabilities. "Pedestrian sidewalks should not become an extension of the roadway for out-of-control vehicles!" Chen stated, emphasizing the need for a robust final line of defense for pedestrians.

She advocates for prioritizing improvements at locations such as schools, hospitals, MRT exits, and commercial districts. Chen believes that friendly pedestrian environments require more than just designated walking areas; they must ensure pedestrians feel safe from sudden vehicle intrusions. The goal is to elevate sidewalk safety from merely preventing illegal parking to protecting against "runaway vehicles."

Furthermore, Chen calls on the Ministry of Transportation and the National Road Safety Committee to create a dedicated database for accidents involving vehicles encroaching on pedestrian spaces. This database would independently track incidents like cars crashing onto sidewalks or hitting pedestrian waiting areas, providing crucial data for future traffic engineering enhancements and policy-making.

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Pedestrian sidewalks should not become an extension of the roadway for out-of-control vehicles!