Pedestrian-only zones could soon be introduced in and around Bahrain’s traditional suqs to solve traffic congestion issues and to provide shoppers and tourists with safe walking spaces and environmentally-friendly electric cart transportation.
The ‘car-free’ proposal issued by five MPs led by Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom covers the old Manama, Muharraq and East Riffa Suqs.
The market areas would allow access for cycles, golf carts and environmental-friendly auto rickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks.
“People enjoy walking and shopping in old suqs without being asked to give way for vehicles,” said Mr Al Salloom, who is also Bahrain Parliamentary Bloc president.
“We understand that people might raise the issue of hot temperatures most of the year, but it is a small distance and parts of those suqs are already shaded and the shops are air-conditioned,” he added.
“The old Manama, Muharraq and East Riffa Suqs would become so much more appealing if the area is turned into vehicle-free zones in which people, locals and visitors, shop freely without being concerned by cars and congestion.”
Mr Al Salloom, who is also the chairman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society, said turning specific areas into pedestrian-only zones could open the market to other transportation services.
“We could have golf carts, tricycles and environmental-friendly tuk-tuks as services for people who don’t want to tour the market on foot and for those who are elderly or disabled,” he explained.
“The scheme could be put to the test and increased in a phased manner as its popularity grows.”
He added the area close to Bab Al Bahrain, in the heart of the old Manama Suq area, has seen more business since being made pedestrian-friendly.
“When people feel free, their appetite to make purchases increases in my opinion,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“If people feel threatened or bothered by traffic they want to leave as soon as possible.
“People from the GCC and across the globe love our traditional suqs and we need to capitalise on that affection and demand and make them more attractive and customer-friendly.
“Everyone wins – the shoppers, the businesses and the tourism chiefs.”
Meanwhile, Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said walking in traditional markets was fun by itself, except for cars driving through narrow passageways which alarms pedestrians and is potentially dangerous.
“Although the East Riffa Suq is just across from where I live and is more spacious, I love to go to the Manama and Muharraq suqs because they are older and have a wider range of goods and services,” he said.
“Also, I like walking longer distances and that’s why I often opt for Manama and Muharraq. However, it’s not always the most pleasant of experiences with cars honking non-stop and shoppers forced to press against the nearest wall to avoid being hit, then that destroys my mood.
“Electric golf carts and other lighter means of transportation could be introduced as an attraction and it will also help people suffering from disabilities and others who get out of breath carrying their shopping bags.”
In 2015, the GDN reported on a proposal by traders wishing to ban cars from the Manama Suq at least one day a week, but nothing materialised from the authorities.
The latest proposal will be submitted as an urgent matter to be debated in parliament on Tuesday.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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