Pedestrian Bridge Usage in Abuja: Issues and Recommendations

Abstract

Pedestrian safety in Abuja has become a critical concern, requiring urgent legislative action. The construction of numerous pedestrian bridges across the metropolis is yet to significantly reduce road fatalities, as residents still endanger their lives by crossing busy streets rather than use these structures. The underutilization of pedestrian bridges stems from factors such as poor location and accessibility planning, crime and inadequate security management, insufficient nighttime lighting, unauthorized trading activities on bridges, open defecation, and ineffective enforcement. Addressing these challenges is crucial for fostering public safety and creating a safer urban and transportation environment in Abuja. Some of the recommended legislative interventions are: • Comprehensive behaviour change campaigns to raise public awareness about the utility of pedestrian bridges and the hazards of crossing highways, to foster public safety behaviors among residents. • Laws requiring the use of pedestrian bridges and prescribing sanctions, to ensure effective compliance. In Lagos State, violators face fines of up to N50,000 for crossing highways without using pedestrian bridges, serving as deterrence to potential offenders. • Strengthening the legal framework of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to empower agencies like the Abuja Environment Protection Board (AEPB) to effectively enforce pedestrian bridge compliance. • Inclusion of accessibility features on pedestrian bridge designs to accommodate individuals with disabilities. • The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on bridges to deter crime.