By JORGE VAQUERO SIMANCAS

Experts warn that elevated infrastructures make a city more unsafe for pedestrians, discriminate between rich and poor, and pose obstacles for vulnerable groups. In Mexico City’s Cuauhtémoc municipality, cars speed through three lanes on James Sullivan Street while pedestrians wait to cross. Often, they opt to cross at street level due to the perceived inaccessibility and dangers posed by the nearby pedestrian bridges, which experts criticize as “anti-pedestrian.” These structures not only fail to guarantee pedestrian safety but also segregate and discriminate against certain groups, particularly affecting the elderly, people with reduced mobility, and pregnant women.

Moreover, these bridges are often illogically located, such as outside hospitals and schools, contrary to mobility and safety regulations. According to activists, such infrastructure prioritizes car speed over pedestrian safety, contradicting federal mobility laws. In Mexico City alone, there are 752 pedestrian bridges, disproportionately affecting poorer areas like Iztapalapa. These structures also contribute to urban segregation, creating barriers that divide the city along socioeconomic lines.

These bridges, considered “anti-pedestrian” by critics, not only fail to ensure safety but also increase the risk of accidents, including assault and rape due to poor lighting and isolation. For many experts and activists, the existence of these structures is unjustified, especially on roads with multiple lanes, where they prioritize cars over pedestrians.

In contrast, the city of Culiacán, Sinaloa, has implemented a successful alternative model, replacing some pedestrian bridges with ground-level crossings, significantly reducing accidents. This cost-effective approach has proven more inclusive and safer for pedestrians, challenging the notion that bridges are the only solution to pedestrian safety. Despite the challenges of reshaping urban infrastructure, advocates believe that alternative models can be implemented in cities like Mexico City to prioritize pedestrian safety and accessibility.

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