A challenge to walk … in the city

• We hear of blueprints and guidelines to create more liveable cities. That’s great, but we need to take ownership over sidewalk maintenance, lest we’re left with costlier alternatives.

City people are so dependent on cars that our entire urban infrastructure is designed to facilitate better vehicular mobility.

But to truly get a sense of a place and its liveability, we challenge you to ditch the car for a day and WALK.

Whether you live in an urban or suburban area, you will likely be navigating the kaki lima. Are they safe? Well maintained? And for how long, before your steps are stopped at a pavement's abrupt end?

We hear of blueprints and guidelines to create more liveable cities. That’s great, but we need to take ownership over sidewalk maintenance, lest we’re left with costlier alternatives.

The smallest detail can make a city friendlier, as we discovered whilst sitting amongst urbanists, architects and town planners last weekend at the pitch that concluded YPLab’s 4-week workshop.

Read also
The Visionaries win judges’ hearts with down-to-earth solutions at YPLab 2023
Nga: Urban Renewal Act targeted to be tabled next year
Green spaces, first- and last-mile connectivity, flood mitigation to be discussed in WCSC 2023
WCSC 2023 drives proactive urban development practices to achieve resilient cities
WCSC expert insights: Shaping future cities that are safe, resilient and inclusive
EdgeProp presents: Resilient urbanisation — do we have what it takes?
City living on the rise with 26 mil Malaysians calling urban areas their home
Prasarana CEO emphasises public transport ecosystem optimisation for Kuala Lumpur’s resilience at WCSC 2023

Safer sidewalks, lights as a wayfinding solution and a well-placed iconic bridge were suggested to preserve the local built environment and foster unity among communities residing on opposite ends. What feasible ideas!

Malaysia’s urban rate is expected to surge 85% by 2040. This demographic shift will reshape the nature and structure of cities, while exacerbating climate change. It is both an opportunity and a challenge not just for planners, but for every city denizen.

Perhaps we can each do our part by walking more – and demanding safer sidewalks, for a start.

Next Tuesday, on the Sept 26, urban design visionaries, architects, developers, material experts and town planners will gather to speak and exchange ideas for the betterment of cities at the 14th WCSC 2023 themed “Resilient Urbanisation Planning Towards Malaysia MADANI”.

We invite community leaders, professionals and anyone interested in building liveable, resilient cities to spend a full day here getting questions answered and thoughts sparked.

At the very least, you’ll walk out a more informed citizen armed with perspectives that will influence our cities towards better outcomes.

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!