Athens’ dangerous sidewalks and lack of pedestrian culture scrutinised by international pr
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
A recurring issue in Athens has once again captured attention, as highlighted by a recent Guardian article titled “An epidemic of falls on the ‘mean streets’ of Athens” exposing the perilous state of the city’s sidewalks and its deficient pedestrian culture, culminating in what many are calling an “accessibility crisis”.
The Guardian underscores the hazards that Athenians and tourists face daily, from uneven paving stones to rampant illegal parking, which endangers everyone, including one of the publication’s own writers.
As visitor numbers rise and safety concerns grow, officials are feeling the pressure to address Athens’ crumbling pedestrian infrastructure.
The article notes that Athens has one of the highest car ownership rates in Europe, with 816 vehicles per 1,000 residents. This has led to a parking crisis, forcing many drivers to park on sidewalks, further exacerbating the problem.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has acknowledged these concerns, telling The Guardian that “plans are underway to tackle illegal parking, repair damaged pavements, and introduce accessibility ramps”. However, experts argue that these measures alone may not be enough.
Urban planner Alexandros Bartzokas-Tsiompras advocates for a more comprehensive approach, stressing the need for improved public transport, the creation of bike-sharing stations, and the introduction of a congestion charge to reduce car dependency.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Andreas Grammatikoyiannis also supported restricting cars from the historic center to prioritise pedestrian safety.
While there seems to be political consensus on the need to enhance sidewalk safety and overall accessibility, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will succeed.
Previous attempts have often fallen short, facing resistance from the very residents and business owners who complain about the city’s congestion.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
