** United Nations World Safety Week for Road Safety: an opportunity to improve the safety of vulnerable users **
From May 12 to 18, the United Nations World Safety World Safety, placed this year under the important theme of “travel and bicycle travel”, is held this world week for road safety. This initiative, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), raises crucial questions concerning road safety, an area which, despite its issues, often remains on the sidelines of political priorities.
** An alarming observation **
Each year, nearly 1.2 million people are losing their lives on the global roads, a figure that is difficult to ignore. Among these victims, a significant percentage, greater than 25 %, consists of pedestrians and cyclists. This reality raises several questions: why do transport infrastructure often remain deficient in terms of security for these vulnerable users?
It is indicative to note that around 0.2 % of the worlds in the world have cycle paths. This figure testifies to a blatant lack of investments and urban planning which does not seem to prioritize the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. In the absence of basic services such as appropriate sidewalks and secure pedestrian crossings, how to expect an increase in the adoption of walking or bicycle as a viable modes of transport?
** Public health in the spotlight **
Dr. Tedros Adhanom, general manager of the WHO, rightly stresses that “walking and cycling are good for health and making cities more sustainable”. This deserves to be amplified in the public debate because to engage in active modes of transport has positive benefits not only on individual health, but also on the quality of collective life. A population that chooses to walk or cycle contributes to the reduction of traffic jams and urban pollution, while limiting the prevalence of diseases linked to sedentary lifestyle.
However, this promotion of active mobility must be accompanied by a real security guarantee for all. Governments and local communities are called upon to act by implementing suitable infrastructure that encourage these practices while protecting users. This also raises the question of budgetary priorities and political strategies: the development of infrastructure to promote safer trips really considered a public health priority?
** A global mobilization **
This week, the World Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety mobilizes more than 400 organizations in 100 countries to support this campaign. This represents a precious opportunity to unite voices around the need to improve road safety. However, this mobilization should not be limited to words. It must result in concrete and measurable actions which are illustrated by pilot projects, awareness campaigns and a search for sustainable funding.
The experiences of different countries show that the establishment of pedestrian zones, the development of cycle paths and awareness of road safety can considerably reduce the number of accidents. In Norway, for example, proactive measures have led to a significant drop in road accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists. What lessons can we learn from these successes to apply them in various contexts?
** Towards a collective awareness **
World Road Safety Week encourages us to think about our way of designing mobility in our societies. It is essential to review our relationship with modes of transport and to consider security not as an option, but as a fundamental right for all road users.
While travel and bicycle trips provide significant environmental and health benefits, there is a collective responsibility to be taken to ensure that each step and each pedal stroke are secured. How, therefore, can we act together to make road safety a central component of mobility policies?
It seems imperative to start this dialogue in a constructive and inclusive manner, so that the measures implemented are both effective and equitable. By promoting a truth culture of safety on our roads, we can consider cities more livable for all.