Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association
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Kin Keolakena

An SUV and several other cars parked on a sidewalk in Phnom Penh, blocking a clearly marked pedestrian lane on August 21, 2022. (Quinn Libson)

Op-Ed: Phnom Penh Needs a Long-term, Grassroots Strategy to Transform Sidewalks

A chaotic mix of automobiles, motorcycles, and Tuk Tuks greet you right as you step outside. The overwhelming sounds of vehicles roaring, horns honking, and people shouting combine to create a cacophony. If you want to stay off the road, you’re forced to navigate parked SUVs and motos blocking your way along what sliver of a sidewalk is available. At times, there is no walkway whatsoever and the only option is to maneuver through the snarled traffic.
An SUV and several other cars parked on a sidewalk in Phnom Penh, blocking a clearly marked pedestrian lane on August 21, 2022. (Quinn Libson)

Op-Ed: Phnom Penh Needs a Long-term, Grassroots Strategy to Transform Sidewalks

A chaotic mix of automobiles, motorcycles, and Tuk Tuks greet you right as you step outside. The overwhelming sounds of vehicles roaring, horns honking, and people shouting combine to create a cacophony. If you want to stay off the road, you’re forced to navigate parked SUVs and motos blocking your way along what sliver of a sidewalk is available. At times, there is no walkway whatsoever and the only option is to maneuver through the snarled traffic.