By RK Shih/Staff. Images via KH City Police/Liberty Times/ Facebook.
KAOHSIUNG — A fatal crash that killed two people in Zuoying District (左營區) has sparked a second dispute after the Facebook page 高雄好過日 posted that the tragedy was indirectly caused by people occupying pedestrian space. The post said the crash appeared to have occurred near Lane 210 of Jyunsiao Road, where motorcycles and objects were blocking what it described as a sidewalk, forcing pedestrians into the slow lane.
Police later corrected the claim, saying the actual impact point was in front of No. 188 Jyunsiao Road. Jinsyue Borough (進學里) Chief Tsao Shun-hsiung (曹順雄) also disputed the post, saying the area was not a sidewalk but a recessed arcade setback, or qilou tuisuo di (騎樓退縮地). He called on the city to address the issue more clearly.
The Public Works Bureau (工務局) said arcade setback areas are private property but must still serve the public interest by allowing smooth passage. The bureau said it had received notice from the Transportation Bureau (交通局) and would arrange an on-site inspection.
Some nearby businesses said they would cooperate if the city clearly stated that tables, chairs, or scooters could not be placed in the area. They also said it was unfair to focus only on shops when illegal roadside parking and the driver’s actions were also factors in the crash.
The dispute highlights a familiar problem behind Kaohsiung’s “pedestrian hell” label: even after a deadly crash, officials, residents, and businesses are still arguing over what counts as walkable public space, who is responsible for keeping it clear, and whether painted fixes can protect people when sidewalks are missing or compromised.
