Making Bridge Crossing the Easy, Safe Choice

The proposal to use pedestrian bridges rather than speed humps to make crossings of the B1 safer is worth supporting.

However, pedestrian bridges introduce another safety question that should be considered from the outset: the safety of pedestrians while on the bridge itself. South African cities offer a cautionary lesson.

Narrow or enclosed pedestrian bridges can become crime hotspots, particularly where criminals can trap pedestrians by blocking access from either side. Closed-circuit television may help identify criminals afterwards, but it does little to protect a victim during an attack.