Will KL ever pedestrianise its city centre streets?

 

In many cities around the world, pedestrianised streets or pedestrian-friendly zones stand out as a hallmark of urban planning — providing safe, accessible areas for people to walk freely, unimpeded by vehicles.

Many global city centres have embraced this concept, combining pedestrian zones with alternative forms of transport, such as bicycles and micromobility devices like scooters.

These initiatives are not only about improving safety but also about enhancing the overall experience of urban life.

Take London, for instance.

Oxford Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden are iconic examples of bustling pedestrian zones where people can walk without fear of being struck by cars.

These streets have become synonymous with leisure, shopping and tourism; where both locals and visitors can experience the city in a relaxed, car-free environment.

Even smaller towns in the United Kingdom, such as Chester, Bedford and Swansea, have implemented pedestrianised streets.

These towns demonstrate that the concept is not restricted to megacities but is also viable in smaller, less densely populated areas.

Looking beyond the UK, Hoi An in Vietnam provides another excellent example of how a pedestrianised area can transform a space into a vibrant tourist hub.

In Hoi An, the absence of vehicles fosters a unique, calm atmosphere, encouraging tourism and enhancing the local economy.

Similarly, Regensburg and Munich in Germany, offer a beautiful pedestrianised city centre where residents and tourists alike can enjoy a safe, clean and inviting environment.

Given these successful models from around the world, it is baffling that Kuala Lumpur (KL), which aspires to be a world-class city, has yet to adopt this approach.

City centre congestion 

The concept of pedestrian streets has been a recurring topic in urban development discussions, but there has been little progress towards actual implementation.

While KL aims to be recognised on the global stage, it has not yet taken the necessary steps to create pedestrian zones, even in areas where they could have a significant impact.

One of the most pressing issues KL faces is its constant traffic congestion, particularly in the city centre. Streets are perpetually clogged with cars, and the pedestrian experience is marred by the noise, pollution and danger posed by the heavy flow of vehicles.

In a city that has long touted its ambitions to be more liveable and internationally competitive, the absence of pedestrian-friendly streets is a glaring omission.

Benefits of pedestrian streets

The benefits of pedestrianising certain streets are numerous.

First and foremost, pedestrian streets encourage walking and other forms of eco-friendly transportation, such as cycling and the use of electric scooters.

This not only improves public health but also reduces traffic congestion and pollution, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

Pedestrian zones also foster a more relaxed, enjoyable urban experience.

Without the constant threat of traffic, people are more likely to spend time in these areas, visiting shops, cafés, and restaurants.

This would naturally boost foot traffic to businesses, which can help stimulate local economies.

Many cities have discovered that pedestrian zones can attract more visitors, both locals and tourists, who are drawn to the safe, welcoming atmosphere.

A cleaner, less polluted city centre is another key advantage.

With fewer cars on the road, the air quality would improve significantly, which benefits everyone, from children to the elderly.

Moreover, pedestrianised streets are quieter, making them more pleasant spaces to live and work in.

Businesses won’t suffer without cars 

A common concern is that businesses will suffer when cars are removed from the equation, but evidence from other cities suggests otherwise. In many pedestrianised areas, businesses have flourished and became more popular.

Without the need to worry about parking or traffic, people are more inclined to explore the area on foot, browsing shops and enjoying the offerings of local businesses.

In fact, in cities like London, Amsterdam and Munich, pedestrian zones have often led to increased retail activity because people feel safer and more comfortable walking around.

When people are not preoccupied with dodging traffic, they tend to linger longer, spend more money, and return more frequently.

KL’s businesses would likely see similar benefits if pedestrian zones were implemented in key areas.

Where should KL begin? 

If KL is serious about becoming a more liveable, world-class city, it should start by focusing on areas that already attract high numbers of pedestrians.

For instance, Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, where MRT and LRT stations are already available, are prime candidates for pedestrianisation.

These areas are among the busiest in terms of foot traffic, with locals and tourists alike flocking to their shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues.

By pedestrianising streets like these, KL could create a more vibrant, accessible and attractive urban centre.

These streets could be modelled on Oxford Street in London, where buses, taxis and delivery vehicles still have access, but private cars are restricted.

This kind of compromise allows for public transport to continue serving the area while prioritising pedestrian movement.

Ultimately, pedestrianising major streets in the city centre would align Kuala Lumpur with other global cities that have already taken the leap.

It would also signal to the world that KL is committed to becoming a more sustainable, modern, and people-friendly city.

The time has come for KL to stop merely talking about being a world-class city and to start taking action.

Implementing pedestrian streets would be a major step forward, transforming the city centre into a cleaner, safer and more vibrant space for everyone. - FMT

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.