India, Sept. 2 -- Canadian author and global urban mobility expert Melissa Bruntlett on Monday urged Gurugram to invest in people-first infrastructure, including walkways, cycle tracks, and public spaces, during her visit to the city. Bruntlett, who co-authored the books Building the Cycling City and Curbing Traffic with her husband Chris Bruntlett, and engaged with policymakers, planners, and citizens during her visit, said that sustainable transport is the pathway to healthier, inclusive, and low-stress cities. Speaking to Leena Dhankhar of HT at Nagarro in Udyog Vihar, she shared perspectives on Gurugram's traffic challenges and how global lessons could inspire local solutions. What stood out immediately is the lack of human-scale spaces. Cities thrive when people have places to sit, relax, and have conversations with friends or colleagues. Gurugram's streets need quieter zones, more trees, and restorative areas that balance the chaos with comfort. Right now, the emphasis is almost entirely on moving vehicles rather than creating places for people. Tackling congestion isn't just about widening roads. It's about giving people options. Better infrastructure for walking, with wider footpaths and controlled crossings, and crucially, high-quality public transport that connects seamlessly with safe walking networks can reduce dependence on private vehicles. Without such end-to-end planning, traffic fixes will only be temporary. Improving the quality of crossings and footpaths is critical. Enforcement must also discourage unsafe driver behaviour. When people feel unsafe just walking, they are pushed into cars or two-wheelers, worsening congestion. A walkable Gurugram begins with safe, continuous, and well-designed pathways. Absolutely, but only if it is treated as a complete network. Cycle lanes must be separated from cars on high-volume streets, while traffic should be slowed on low-volume ones. This needs to be tied to reliable public transport and safe cycle parking. When cycling is integrated into the transport system, people will embrace it as a daily option. For shorter trips, traffic calming is key. Cars should be slowed or even removed in areas where they are inefficient. Pair this with high-quality footpaths and cycling tracks that connect seamlessly across the city. If the walking and cycling experience is safer and faster than driving, people will naturally shift. First, walk with women through these spaces to understand their concerns. Care work often means they move with children or groceries, so infrastructure must reflect those realities. Design solutions should prioritise safety, comfort, and accessibility. Lighting, visibility, and surveillance are essential. Only then will women feel truly included in urban spaces. Start with a school street, closing or restricting car traffic near schools and replacing it with wide footpaths, play areas, and greenery. Globally, in places like Tirana, Paris, and Bogota, such projects have made children safer and turned school zones into community hubs. Once residents see what's possible, they'll want more. In conslusion, Bruntlett's message for Gurugram is that the administration should Invest in people-first infrastructure, walkways, cycle tracks, and public spaces. "A city designed for children, pedestrians, and cyclists will also work better for drivers, businesses, and communities. Gurugram has the opportunity to lead by example in India," she told HT....