I applaud the initiative by the National Environment Agency to ban smoking in Orchard Road from July 1 next year (Tougher curbs on smoking in food places, Orchard Rd; July 1).

But it is rather disappointing that the ban does not include the bustling unsheltered walkways near MRT stations and bus stops.

The pedestrian walkways along Orchard Road are wide.

Anyone who wants to avoid inhaling second-hand smoke can easily do so by keeping some distance from the smoker.

Moreover, various alternative routes are available for pedestrians, including underpasses between malls.

However, most walkways elsewhere are much narrower.

It is not uncommon to see hapless pedestrians having to deliberately pick up their pace in order to overtake a smoker in front of them so that they can regain their rightful breath of fresh air.

As we march towards a car-lite and health-conscious society, it is time that we make walking as enjoyable as we can.

Lim Chee Khiam