Last Updated on 2025 年 7 月 25 日 by 総合編集組
Why Taiwan Struggles to Be a Pedestrian-Friendly Nation: A Comprehensive Analysis
Despite Taiwan’s global reputation for technological innovation and economic prosperity, its pedestrian environment has been labeled a “living hell” by international media, highlighting a stark contrast between its advanced image and urban livability.
This article explores 12 key reasons why Taiwan fails to provide a safe and comfortable walking experience, delving into infrastructure deficiencies, urban planning biases, cultural conflicts, and enforcement challenges. It also examines the broader impacts on residents’ quality of life and Taiwan’s international reputation, while proposing actionable solutions inspired by global best practices.
1. Defining a Pedestrian-Friendly City
A pedestrian-friendly city prioritizes safety, accessibility, and comfort for walkers, fostering healthier communities and sustainable urban development. International standards emphasize wide, continuous sidewalks, accessible infrastructure, high road network connectivity, and attractive streetscapes with greenery and seating. These elements ensure safe and enjoyable walking for all, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Taiwan, however, falls short in these areas, prompting a deeper look into the root causes.
2. The 12 Core Issues Undermining Taiwan’s Pedestrian Environment
- Low Sidewalk Coverage and Narrow Widths: Only 43.86% of Taiwan’s roads have dedicated sidewalks, with many failing to meet the minimum 1.2-meter width for safe passage.
- Poor Sidewalk Quality: Uneven, cracked, or sloped surfaces pose hazards, particularly for wheelchair users and parents with strollers.
- Obstructions from Utilities and Private Encroachment: Sidewalks are often blocked by utility poles, transformers, or illegally parked vehicles and shop displays, forcing pedestrians onto roads.
- Chaotic Arcade Spaces: Taiwan’s unique arcade walkways, meant to shelter pedestrians, are often cluttered or uneven, rendering them inaccessible.
- Car-Centric Urban Planning: Decades of prioritizing vehicle efficiency have marginalized pedestrian spaces, with wide roads and parking zones dominating urban landscapes.
- Uneven Public Transport Development: Outside Taipei and New Taipei, limited public transport options drive reliance on private vehicles, exacerbating sidewalk encroachments.
- Aggressive Driving Culture: A “rush-to-go” mentality among drivers leads to frequent failures to yield to pedestrians, even at crosswalks.
- Pedestrian Misbehavior: Some pedestrians jaywalk or cross against signals, complicating road safety dynamics.
- Ambiguities in Traffic Laws: Vague regulations, such as the “3-meter distance” rule for yielding, create enforcement inconsistencies.
- Weak Enforcement and Misunderstandings: The so-called “pedestrian emperor clause” is poorly understood, leading to resistance and uneven enforcement.
- Vulnerability of At-Risk Groups: The elderly (69% of pedestrian fatalities) and children face disproportionate risks due to inadequate infrastructure.
- Broader Societal Impacts: Unsafe walking conditions contribute to stress, reduced community interaction, and a tarnished international image, deterring tourism.
3. Societal and Economic Consequences
Taiwan’s pedestrian safety issues result in over 400 deaths annually, with nearly half occurring at intersections. Vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, face heightened risks. Beyond physical harm, unsafe streets increase stress, limit outdoor activity, and weaken community bonds. Internationally, negative media coverage and travel advisories harm Taiwan’s tourism and global appeal, undermining its soft power.
4. Reform Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
The Taiwanese government has launched initiatives like the “Pedestrian-First Traffic Safety Action Plan” and a NT$40 billion investment to improve sidewalks, intersections, and traffic education. As of February 2025, nearly 800 high-risk intersections have been upgraded. However, inconsistent execution across regions and bureaucratic hurdles remain. Civil society groups, such as Vision Zero Taiwan, advocate for systemic reforms, including better sidewalk networks and stricter enforcement, but face challenges in sustaining momentum.
5. Learning from Global Models
- Netherlands: Prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists through low-speed zones and “filtered permeability” designs, ensuring safe, vehicle-free residential areas.
- Japan: Fosters a culture of mutual respect, with strict enforcement and wide sidewalks reducing conflicts.
- Singapore: Implements “Friendly Streets” with sheltered walkways, extended crossing times, and senior-friendly zones, enhancing walkability.
6. A Roadmap for Change
To become truly pedestrian-friendly, Taiwan must:
- Overhaul Infrastructure: Increase sidewalk coverage, ensure accessibility, and clear obstructions.
- Shift Planning Paradigms: Adopt human-centered urban design, prioritizing walkability and public transport.
- Transform Traffic Culture: Promote yielding through education and consistent enforcement.
- Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Clarify and enforce traffic laws transparently, with public oversight.
