Bengaluru: It's either emptying pockets or jail-term for footpath riders

In fact, the city police has already booked 250 bike riders under IPC Section 297, which carries a prison time of six months.

Confirming the same, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) P Harishekaran said, "We launched this drive 3-4 days back and strict instructions have been given to book these violators. We're taking this very seriously as our prime duty is to ensure road safety."

The offenders will also be booked under Section 184 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 for putting the lives of pedestrians in danger.

Repeat offenders might even have their licenses suspended, if the traffic official stationed at the junction deems it fit, said cops.

Till now, those who were caught riding their two-wheelers on footpaths were let off after paying a mere Rs. 100.

That wasn't much of deterrence. Even the drive to cancel licenses failed and it was rolled back in 2012.

A report suggesting that the city registers 16,000 to 18,000 cases against such two-wheeler riders every year stands testimony to the fact.

So, given the scenario, this is a good move.

Meanwhile, some Bengalureans are also doing their bit in helping out the police force.

One such concerned citizen is this 27-year-old, Manju Thomas, who became famous after a video featuring her went viral.

The video shot in March showed the feisty woman asking two bike-borne men to get off the footpath, as it's dangerous for pedestrians.

The men were of course aggressive and constantly honking to numb her voice, but she continued, unafraid.

The video has clocked 1M views and her phone hasn't stopped ringing since.

She, however, maintains she didn't want this fame, but only wants people "to understand that when I am standing for my bus I am also utilizing my time. When you are on the footpath and if there is a biker, stop him."

Must admit, we do need more citizens like her!