INTERVIEW WITH PEDESTRIANS

It was really difficult to interview these group of people! Most of them barely had any time for an interview and actually thought I was selling them something. Ha-ha! I mentioned that it was about and for their safety when walking across the skate park. But still not much difference. They couldn't be really bothered.

This made me think for a while. If these people can't even be bothered to be interviewed about their safety, do they even bother about their safety at all?


Interviewee # 1

Sharmaine, 26 - Bank Teller

Q: Do you usually take this route?

A: Yes. This is the shortest route to the MRT Station.

Q: How difficult it is for you to walk across the skate park?

A: In the morning it's not really a problem but evening is when it gets really difficult. Too many skaters to look out for.

Q: How can the situation be improved?

A: Can I request for a specific pathway for pedestrians like me? Is that possible?



Interviewee #2

Wei Chiang, 29 - Works at a nearby restaurant

Q: Do you usually take this route?

A: Everyday! Morning and night.

Q: How difficult it is for you to walk across the skate park?

A: I'm already used to it. I got hit by a skateboard before. Painful!

Q: How can the situation be improved? 

A: Barricade the skate park and give us a proper pathway.


Interviewee #3

Xiang Yun, 32 - Works at NTUC FairPrice

Q: Do you usually take this route?

A: Always. I work at the nearby supermarket.

Q: How difficult it is for you to walk across the skate park?

A: It took me some time to get used to it. I'm less afraid now to cross the skate park. It can get really dangerous at times, though. Especially at night time.

Q: How can the situation be improved? 

A: Close down the skate park? ha-ha! Just kidding. I think pedestrians should be given their right of way.


Interviewee #4

Joshua, 16 - Student

Q: Do you usually take this route?

A: No specific amount of times. I frequently eat at the nearby chicken rice stall.


Q: How difficult it is for you to walk across the skate park?

A: Very difficult. I have to avoid getting hit by skaters and other people who use the park.


Q: How can the situation be improved? 

A: I think the way where pedestrians are walking (current pathway) should be diverted.

Breakdown

In total, I was able to interview not more than 15 people. My initial thought that they don't fear for their safety was wrong. In fact, these group of people worry about their safety the most when it comes to crossing the skate park.

Most of them mentioned about current walkway provided for them which they deem as unsafe. Come to think of there is actually no specific walkway for them. It is more like an unspoken rule that skaters give way to pedestrians when they pass by. 


All in all, most of whom I interviewed suggested that:

1. A special pathway be provided for them.
2. Fencing up the skate park.
3. Interestingly enough, a few also didn't want any improvement at all. (I suppose they've already gotten so used to playing 'life and death' with skate park users!)