Walking along a paved road without much obstacles is a pleasant experience. Many citizens in developed countries often have this experience on a daily basis, especially in well-structured communities. The fresh air and clean environment of the streets they walk make them feel a sense of peace and security. This environment gives its users an inclusive experience while contributing to exercise and recreation — one that allows a person to appreciate the surroundings without constant reminder of a hazard lurking.
Even though walking has a lot of benefits, and has been promoted as an active mobility means in developing countries, its benefits go beyond exercise and recreation. It is economical in the removal or reduction of fares for short-distance travelers. But most importantly, it fulfills the task of completing the last mile to a destination, giving pedestrians full control of their navigation — when to stop or continue.
However, walking in developing countries is not as pleasant, recreational, or secure as in well-structured communities in the West. Monrovia stands as a peculiar case of insecurity for pedestrians. On an evening, walking the streets of Monrovia will not give you such a pleasant experience because of the hazards making it difficult for pedestrians to navigate safely. The streets pose a heavy threat to pedestrian safety because of the lack of key road infrastructure: signage, potholes, clogged sewage, and street lights.
Four hazards on Monrovia's streets
What pedestrians contend with daily
- Lack of street lights Only ~40km of Monrovia's 1,300km of paved road is lit — about 3%
- Potholes Block wheelchairs and mobility aids; cause falls and injuries
- Spillage Oil and fuel on the road create slippery, lane-obscuring conditions
- Debris Nails, glass, and metal fragments puncture tires and force sudden swerves
Lack of street lights
Pedestrians find it difficult to navigate their way at night when walking along the streets of Monrovia. They have to be constantly on the lookout to avoid potential hazards. The lack of streetlights forces them to depend on instinct about which route to take, making it difficult to see the road ahead and leaving them vulnerable to accidents. According to a recent survey of roads in Monrovia, out of 1,300km of paved road, only approximately 40km have streetlights — about 3 percent of the road network.
Potholes on the road
Potholes on the streets of Monrovia can impede the mobility of individuals with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. This has made certain areas inaccessible, limiting their freedom of movement. It discourages many citizens from walking, reducing physical activity levels in the community, and has led to injuries ranging from minor scrapes to more serious fractures, sprains, or head injuries.
Spillage
Spillage poses various hazards to drivers, pedestrians, and the surrounding environment. Monrovia's roads are regularly covered with oil, fuel, and other liquids that create slippery conditions, leading to loss of traction, skidding, loss of control, and collisions. Spills cover lane markings and critical road signs, making it difficult to navigate safely, pose immediate health risks, and often lead to lane restrictions, traffic jams, and delays — while the spilled chemicals themselves erode the road surface over time, contributing to potholes.
The well-being of road users when walking along a road is of utmost importance. Sidewalks can improve the beauty and aesthetic appeal of roads to connect communities.
Road Safety Action International
Debris
Over the years, debris on the streets of Monrovia has caused drivers to swerve suddenly to avoid it, leading to collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. On a daily basis, objects like nails, glass, and metal fragments puncture tires, often causing loss of control that leaves the carriageway and invades the sidewalk. Debris obstructs drivers' view of the road, traffic signs, and signals, and creates hazards for pedestrians on sidewalks or near crosswalks.
Evidence-based recommendations for making Monrovia walkable
Improving road infrastructure — good markings, reflective signals, and safe pathways — enhances protection for pedestrians and brings decency to the environment. Lawmakers and police should strengthen enforcement of traffic laws, and sustained awareness campaigns should educate drivers, pedestrians, and officials alike. Authorities must invest in access for people with disabilities and mobility issues, and in sidewalks that separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic, complete with crosswalks, signals, and signage. Where spills or hazards force detours, authorities should plan rerouting carefully to avoid secondary accidents.
In conclusion, the well-being of road users when walking along a road is of utmost importance. By taking necessary safety precautions, choosing safer routes, and advocating for improved road infrastructure, road users can help ensure their safety and well-being while walking. Sidewalks help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and enhance the overall walking experience — an essential component of urban planning. Ultimately, it is crucial for local authorities to invest in improving road infrastructure to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.