Kiripost

Sidewalks in Phnom Penh are often anything but pedestrian‑friendly. Cracked pavements, parked motorbikes and vendor stalls force residents into busy roads, raising safety concerns and sparking debate over how the capital can become more walkable.

Local voices highlight the daily struggle. Jogger Suon Panha recalls being grazed by a tuk‑tuk while running along a blocked pavement in Toul Tom Poung. Foreign residents, such as Noemie and Leuis from Europe, say they struggle to push their baby’s stroller through streets where sidewalks are routinely occupied by cars. For Nas, a shopper from Iran, weaving between motorbikes and stalls has simply become part of life.

The challenges are even greater for people with disabilities. Student Tam Tarapich, who uses a wheelchair, describes navigating a city that was never designed with accessibility in mind.

Studies underline the scale of the problem. Research by the Cambodia Urban Database shows sidewalks and streets make up just 14 per cent of Phnom Penh’s public space, much of it encroached by vehicles and vendors. A separate study found pedestrians often choose longer routes simply to find more comfortable paths, with sparse greenery offering little shade.

Authorities recently amended Cambodia’s Law on Roads to introduce tougher penalties for obstructing sidewalks. Yet observers warn fines could hurt small vendors without addressing deeper design flaws. Urban experts argue that enforcement alone will not create walkable streets — people need destinations, shade and safe infrastructure to encourage walking.

Ses Aronsakda of TRACE Urban Initiative points to a gap between aspirations and reality, noting that accessibility standards exist but are rarely enforced. Researcher Prak Norak adds that walkability benefits local businesses, as pedestrians are more likely to make regular visits than drivers.

Residents like Panha dream of a city where sidewalks are lined with trees, art and cultural displays, not parked cars. For now, Phnom Penh’s walkable future remains an aspiration, but growing public debate suggests the issue is finally stepping into the spotlight.

-2026-07-19

Phnom Penh is a great town but even the cyclos get stuck. Walking by the lake is really the only option now.