Transforming streets: prioritizing pedestrian safety
Our 2024 #CommitToAct campaign highlights unsafe journeys and demands safer conditions. Using Mobility Snapshots,
road safety activists assess intersections from a pedestrian
perspective, demonstrating the need for life-saving interventions. So
far, the snapshots from our members have revealed critical concerns and
deficiencies in road infrastructure that should protect pedestrians.
Three of our members in Africa, Asia, and Latin America,
whose snapshots are featured in this newsletter, have highlighted that
frequently used intersections in their communities are dangerous and
have become hazard zones for pedestrians and cyclists.
Unsafe and unsustainable streets are accepted as normal. People rarely
question the lack of safe crossings or why fast vehicles are tolerated
where children walk to school. Road systems prioritize motorized
vehicles over pedestrians and cyclists, instead of implementing
interventions that ensure pedestrians have safe places to walk and
cross, and road environments that encourage safe driving speeds.
This is why the Alliance developed a list of Priority Interventions
which contains proven methods to save lives where pedestrians and
cyclists mix with vehicles. These interventions include: 30 km/h zones,
lower speeds, pedestrian facilities, and traffic calming. These measures
save lives, reduce injuries, decrease congestion, and ensure equitable
use of roads. Moreover, a recent research publication on iRAP's methodology
reported that "road safety infrastructure changes and safer speeds have
prevented almost 700,000 deaths and serious injuries in 74
countries" in the past decade. It is time to challenge what is
considered normal, expose the reality of our streets, and advocate for
simple, cost-effective solutions to make journeys safe, sustainable, and
equitable.
Read more HERE. |
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Chiromo Road and Westlands Roundabout, Nairobi
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Mobility Snapshots reveal critical safety issues at Nairobi intersection
“This intersection is a major route connecting road users to the busy
Westlands center which is heavily populated with offices and
supermarkets. Pedestrians use it enroute to these places and with no
pedestrian facilities, they are subjected to crossing by chance,
dangerously running between cars and motorcycles,” says Betty Omoro,
Executive Director, Smart Drivers Organization, Kenya.
The Smart Drivers Organization in Kenya conducted the Mobility Snapshot
at a critical intersection located at Chiromo Road and Westlands
Roundabout, crossing Waiyaki Way Highway in Nairobi. This intersection
was previously a busy roundabout, repurposed as a pedestrian crossing
point following the construction of an overpass. The intersection is
situated in a busy area of Nairobi, surrounded by shops, offices, and
residential buildings. Despite its high pedestrian traffic, the
intersection lacks adequate infrastructure to ensure safety.
Barriers at the intersection have been placed haphazardly, and there are
no zebra crossings or footpaths, forcing pedestrians to navigate
dangerously close to moving vehicles. There are no streetlights, traffic
signs, or lines to guide drivers and pedestrians. Cars are often parked
on one side of the road, and there are obstructions that limit drivers'
visibility around the intersection. All these issues persist despite
high pedestrian traffic of 750 people during peak hours.
With these findings, Smart Drivers Organization will be advocating
with local authorities and policymakers to make informed decisions and
implement evidence-based actions for safer and more inclusive urban
environments in Nairobi.
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Avenida Carlos Espinoza and Calle 7 in Salinas, Ecuador
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Data shows poor safety infrastructure in Salinas, Ecuador
In Ecuador, Fundación Ciudadana de
Movilidad y Seguridad Vial conducted a Mobility Snapshot at a
'T' intersection in Avenida Carlos Espinoza and Calle 7 in Salinas. The
chosen intersection is in a busy urban area surrounded by residential
buildings and schools. Despite its importance as a crossing point for
many pedestrians, especially students heading to bus stations, the
intersection lacks critical safety infrastructure.
The Mobility Snapshot revealed that the intersection has no traffic
signals and road signs are either absent or faded. There are no formal
pedestrian crossings, and the only available sidewalk is narrow and
obstructed. There are no speed bumps or pedestrian traffic lights to
manage vehicle speeds, which further compromised pedestrian safety. This
is despite pedestrian traffic of 144 people during peak hours.
According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety, pedestrians
account for 9% of road fatalities in Ecuador. Ciudadana de Movilidad y
Seguridad Vial will use these findings to advocate for safety
interventions at the intersection to protect pedestrians.
“The Mobility Snapshot was a real wake-up call on how dangerous it can
be for pedestrians like me. During my data collection, it was clear that
lack of crosswalks and proper sidewalks made things terrible for
everyone trying to get across; I could see it in their worried looks and
in the long wait times to cross the street,” says Pamela Naranjo,
Mobility Specialist, Fundación Ciudadana de Movilidad y Seguridad Vial,
Ecuador.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Compromised pedestrian safety at Mumbai intersection
In India, Alliance member Parisar
conducted a Mobility Snapshot at a major intersection in the Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus (CST) Area, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The CST Area is
a bustling urban environment surrounded by shops, offices, residential
buildings, parks, hospitals, and other popular venues. The intersection
serves as a critical junction for pedestrians and vehicles, with
significant foot traffic due to its proximity to the CST railway
station, a major transport hub.
The intersection lacks adequate signage and clear road markings and
has moderate curves which obstruct the view of drivers and makes it
difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming vehicles. There are no warning
signs or lights to alert approaching cars of the intersection. The main
and side roads are heavily congested, with over 1,460 pedestrians using
the intersection during peak hours.
According to Sushil Pathare, City Road Safety Coordinator, Parisar,
“this intersection is a main route for many residents heading to the
local market and train station. This bustling intersection, crucial for
the community, often feels like a hazard zone rather than a safe
passage. Watching pedestrians sprint across the busy road to avoid being
hit is a daily sight that fills me with concern. There is urgent need
for better traffic management and safety measures to protect those who
navigate this vital route."
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#CommitToAct 2024
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Mobility Snapshots: next steps
Our #CommitToAct week was held from
20–26 May 2024 where our members, partners, and friends used the
Mobility Snapshots to highlight the dangers we face on our daily
journeys on the road. We, as a road safety NGO community, are not
accepting unsafe and unsustainable streets as normal and inevitable.
Governments are accountable for implementing proven, cost-efficient
solutions to fix them. Using data to demonstrate the reality of people’s
daily journeys, your participation during the week shone a light to
bring about meaningful changes.
We hope you have submitted your snapshots or are in the process of doing so. For those who used the Star Rating Mobility Snapshot tool,
expect to receive your star ratings within four weeks of submission.
The iRAP Star Rating System is a globally recognized methodology for
assessing road safety. Roads are rated from 1 to 5 stars, with 1-star
roads having the highest risk and 5-star roads the lowest. You will
receive an email with your current star rating for pedestrians,
recommended interventions, the estimated cost of each intervention, and
the potential star rating if the recommended interventions are
implemented. Use this data to create your Mobility Snapshot
infographics, build community demand and advocate with decision makers
to #MakeItSafe.
For those applying for the Mobility Snapshots advocacy grant, the
deadline is 12 midnight CET on 9 June 2024. You must have submitted your
snapshots before applying. We look forward to seeing your continued
advocacy targeting your governments using the Mobility Snapshots leading
up to our Global Plan anniversary event on 28 October–3 November 2024,
and the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech on
18–19 February 2025. |
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