Changhua 彰化市

I was in Changhua city today and it was my first time alone there with time on my hands to take some photos. But you know what, those f*****g scooters made taking pictures virtually impossible. Once again life for a pedestrian in a Taiwan city was hell*. Shame on you Taiwan politicians swanning around in your black limos never venturing out of your air conditioned boxes. I love Taiwan and I have only positive things to say about it, except where the city infrastructure is concerned. Pedestrians (remember them?) A person who moves around putting one leg in front of the other. Walking, the cheapest, healthiest and most environmentally friendly mode of transport there is. Here pedestrians have been eradicated from the cities. That is no exaggeration.

Now I appreciate it is very hot here and scootering is a cheap, 'cool' way of traveling, but space has to be made for people who walk for GOD's sake! Occasionally there are bits of pavements but what bits there are, are taken by parked scooters. Pedestrians have to zigzag their way between parked scooters making what would be a 200m walk, 400m. However most of the time is spent walking in the road with the rest of the traffic (in the gutter in fact). Old people, the disabled and children stand no chance. If Taiwan was hot all year round I could understand it better, but for half the year the temperature is fairly normal, so walking should be a natural way of getting about. What went wrong. What have the transport ministers been doing for the last decade. WE need some answers.

I think most Taiwanese have forgotten that walking is actually an option. Walking keeps you fit, allows you time to see things and explore. For many people walking is the only option, but with the present state of Changhua county cities, it's not a very pleasant one or even a realistic one.

Time to get real Taiwan. You may have the HSR but in reality you are still Third World.

Here's a song instead to brighten things up:

... Politicians cannot change this situation overnight, everyone must make an effort. If you ride a scooter and only have fifty yards to go - WALK. Park your scooters outside the markets and WALK. When parking your scooters consider pedestrians and how they might get past. Shop front owners can ensure that scooters are kept free from their patch. Buying a new scooter? Buy an electric scooter. Town planners need to think ahead. Although its hard to believe that Taiwan has any town planners. Make an effort, its not just you, its your children's lives too.

* See Changhua II for a more balance view, on this particular day I was north of the main station where walking was virtually impossible.