Tag Archive: Road Safety

  1. How larger and heavier cars impact Brussels’ road safety and environmental goals

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    Source: Fietsberaad Crow

    The growing prevalence of larger and heavier cars in the Brussels-Capital Region conflicts with road safety and environmental objectives, as analysed by Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment in their report, Larger and Heavier Cars. The report examines the causes of this trend and suggests measures to curb the rising weight of the vehicle fleet.

    Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment are public agencies responsible for mobility and environmental policies in the region. Drawing on a literature review, statistical analysis, and expert discussions, they studied the increasing presence of large, heavy cars in Brussels and across Belgium. Their findings cover the causes, impacts, and potential interventions to address this issue.

    Rising Vehicle Mass

    Between 2013 and 2023, the average mass of private vehicles registered in Brussels grew by 10%, while company cars saw a 17% increase. Additionally, company cars are approximately 250 kg heavier than newly registered private vehicles. Vehicles are also becoming wider; since 2018, newly registered cars average over 180cm in width.

    Impacts on safety, space, and emissions

    Heavier vehicles offer greater protection to their occupants, reducing their risk of serious injury or death in accidents. However, this comes at the expense of others, such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, or occupants of lighter vehicles, whose risk of harm increases significantly. In Brussels, this risk disparity is even more pronounced than in the rest of Belgium.

    Larger vehicles also demand more space, often exceeding the dimensions of existing parking spots and impeding efforts to allocate public space for active transportation modes. Their bulk hinders urban greening initiatives, and their weight exacerbates wear-and-tear emissions from tires, brake pads, and road surfaces.

    For petrol and diesel cars, the additional weight has offset reductions in CO₂ emissions. Meanwhile, heavier electric vehicles require larger batteries, increasing the demand for raw materials and emissions during manufacturing.

    Causes of the trend

    The growth in heavier vehicles is driven by several factors:

    1. Industry marketing: Automakers prioritize heavier and larger vehicles due to higher profit margins, limiting the availability of lighter, more affordable options.
    2. Tax policies: Belgian fiscal policies do not consider the weight of electric vehicles, unlike fuel-powered cars. Additionally, the fiscal regime for company cars encourages the selection of heavier, more luxurious models.
    3. CO₂ standards: European CO₂ emission standards fail to incentivise a reduction in vehicle mass.

    Proposed measures

    To counter this trend, Brussels Mobility and Brussels Environment recommend several measures, including:

    • Implementing a weight-based kilometre charge to discourage heavier vehicles.
    • Tightening parking policies to limit the entry of heavy cars into the city.
    • Designating zones where heavy vehicles are prohibited.
    • Banning public advertising for large and heavy cars.

    These proposals aim to address the safety and environmental challenges posed by the increasing share of larger, heavier vehicles in the Brussels-Capital Region.

  2. ETSC publishes report on improving road safety of e-scooters

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    Source: European Transport Safety Council

    The increasing popularity of e-scooters underpins a need for safety measures across Europe

    E-scooters have rapidly emerged as a popular mode of transport since their arrival in Europe. Legalisation for their use followed shortly after, with countries like Belgium, France, and Germany permitting the use of e-scooters in 2019. Today, privately owned e-scooters are allowed in most European countries, with the UK and the Netherlands standing out as notable exceptions.

    However, the surge in e-scooter usage has coincided with an increase in road collisions involving these vehicles. This has raised concerns about potential risks to both riders and other vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians.

    A report published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), Improving the Road Safety of E-scooters, examines the safety implications of this trend in three key parts. The first two sections focus on crash data related to deaths and serious injuries involving motorised micro-mobility devices, a category that includes e-scooters as well as less common vehicles like self-balancing unicycles and Segways.

    The third section delves into measures to mitigate these risks. It explores technical standards for vehicles, road rules, infrastructure, and urban speed limits. The report highlights best practices from across Europe, offering evidence-based recommendations for national governments to improve e-scooter safety.

    The report also calls for urgent action from the European Union to establish unified technical standards for e-scooters. Suggested areas of focus include minimum age requirements, helmet use, regulations on drink-driving, carrying passengers, and riding on pavements. By promoting consistent safety measures, the EU could play a pivotal role in ensuring safer integration of e-scooters into urban transport systems across Europe.

    As e-scooters become an increasingly significant part of urban mobility, such coordinated efforts are essential to protect all road users.

    Download the full report here.

  3. No more fines for crossing without zebra crossing or traffic lights in New York

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    Source: VRT News

    Under a new law, pedestrians in New York City are now allowed to ignore crosswalks and traffic lights when crossing the road, without fear of receiving a fine. The new law could change racial disparities in the United States.

    New York City Councilwoman, Mercedes Narcisse, highlighted that over 90% of $250 jaywalking tickets are issued to Black and Latino individuals. “But let’s be honest, every New Yorker does this,” she told the Associated Press, arguing that “Laws that punish behaviour that we put in place every day for moving around shouldn’t exist, especially when they unfairly impact communities of colour.

    In September, new legislation was passed, giving Mayor Eric Adams 30 days to sign or veto it. However, the mayor opted for a third route and took no action. In New York, this inaction effectively means consent, allowing the law to come into effect.

    Pedestrians can cross anywhere without priority

    Under the new law, pedestrians can now cross streets at any point without needing to use zebra crossings or wait for traffic signals. However, they do not have the right-of-way when crossing outside crosswalks and must yield to vehicles. Pedestrians remain liable for any accidents caused by crossing unsafely.

    A spokesperson for the mayor emphasised that “pedestrians should still choose the safest option” and seek out crosswalks or green lights whenever possible.

  4. New York City starts pilot program to swap unsafe e-bikes for certified models

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    Source: FSJA

    Mayor Adams announces New York City’s e-bike trade-in program

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams has introduced the final regulations for the city’s pioneering e-bike and lithium-ion battery trade-in program—the first of its kind in the U.S.

    The program provides an opportunity for eligible food delivery workers to trade in unsafe e-bikes and batteries for certified, high-quality alternatives. Part of the broader “Charge Safe, Ride Safe” initiative, this program aims to mitigate risks associated with uncertified lithium-ion batteries and enhance street safety.

    With a goal to reduce e-bike-related fires and illegal mopeds on the streets, the program has already contributed to a decline in injuries and fatalities. In 2024, 222 battery-related fires led to 88 injuries and four fatalities, a reduction from the 14 deaths during the same period last year.

    Mayor Adams stated: “My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe, and that includes from new and emerging threats like the dangers posed by uncertified lithium-ion batteries.” He highlighted the program’s dual focus on protecting delivery workers and minimising fire risks.

    Program details: replacing unsafe e-bikes and batteries

    The $2 million program allows New York City delivery workers to exchange uncertified e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries for UL-certified alternatives, which meet national safety standards. Recognising that many workers need two batteries to operate daily, the program provides participants with one certified e-bike and two compatible batteries.

    Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi emphasised that while e-bikes are essential in reducing pollution, they must not compromise safety. The program aims to provide safe, zero-emission e-bikes for workers, ensuring peace of mind for them and their communities.

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) will manage the program. Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez explained, “This program will do this while also protecting all New Yorkers from deadly fires“.

    Eligibility and application process

    To qualify, applicants must meet criteria which include:

    • New York City resident.

    • Own an eligible e-bike or lithium-ion battery.

    • Earning at least $1,500 as a food delivery worker in 2024.

    • 18 years old and over.

    Applications will open in early 2025, with a DOT awareness campaign to inform eligible participants about the program.

    Alongside the trade-in program, DOT is expanding bike lanes, piloting public e-bike charging stations, and promoting safe e-bike practices to encourage safer, greener e-mobility.

    Regulatory and infrastructure changes

    New York City also plans to introduce new regulations allowing e-bike charging and battery-swapping cabinets on public sidewalks. These installations, currently prohibited, will require FDNY and Department of Buildings approval to meet safety standards.

    Council-member Keith Powers, who supported Local Law 131 that led to the program’s creation, endorsed the initiative as a critical investment in e-bike safety. Public charging station pilots from companies like Popwheels and Swobbee are already showing positive impacts, reducing the need for home charging and increasing safety.

    Widespread support for the initiative

    The trade-in program has gained strong support from city and state officials. FDNY Commissioner Robert S. Tucker stressed the importance of removing uncertified lithium-ion devices from city streets, noting that the initiative enhances safety for delivery workers and the general public.

    New York State Senator Cordell Cleare also praised the program’s role in preventing fire-related incidents while also emphasising, “While that is a reduction from the 18 deaths last year, it is still four deaths too many.

    Other council members, including Carlina Rivera and Oswald Feliz, also voiced their support for the initiative. Council-member Rivera further emphasised the importance of expanding public charging stations to support safe e-bike usage across the city,

  5. EU road crashes resulted in 20,400 fatalities last year

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    Source: European Commission

    In 2023, 20,400 people lost their lives to road crashes across the EU, a 1% decrease compared to the previous year, resulting in 46 deaths per million residents. While there has been a 10% reduction in fatalities since 2019, the current rate of decline is below the 4.5% annual reduction needed to meet the EU’s goal of halving road deaths by 2030.

    Variation among member states

    Member States show uneven progress: in 2023, Czechia, Cyprus, Poland, Romania, and Finland recorded their lowest road fatality numbers since modern records began. Poland reported a 35% reduction in fatalities between 2019 and 2023, while Ireland saw a 31% increase. Despite these trends, Poland’s road fatality rate per capita remains above the EU average, while Ireland’s is below. Sweden (22 deaths per million) and Denmark (26/million) remain the safest, while Bulgaria (82/million) and Romania (81/million) recorded the highest rates in 2023.

    Today’s figures provide the final data on road fatalities for 2023, following preliminary data released in March 2024.

    Estimates for the first half of 2024

    Preliminary figures for the first six months of 2024 indicate that the number of deaths on EU roads remained steady compared to the same period in 2023. Austria, Lithuania, and Slovenia recorded significant declines of over 25%, while other Member States reported increases. Monthly fluctuations, however, make full-year projections challenging.

    Background

    In 2018, the EU set a target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030. This commitment, outlined in the European Commission’s Strategic Action Plan on Road Safety and the EU’s 2021-2030 road safety framework, also introduced a long-term goal of zero fatalities by 2050 (“Vision Zero”). The European Court of Auditors recently highlighted the need for intensified efforts to meet these targets.

    In March 2023, the Commission introduced a series of proposals to improve road safety, including updated driving license requirements and strengthened cross-border enforcement of road rules.

    Road safety is a core component of recent EU mobility initiatives, such as the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the new TEN-T Regulation, and the Urban Mobility Framework. In its proposal for a European Declaration on Cycling, the Commission emphasises safety as essential for encouraging cycling and is preparing guidelines to ensure quality requirements for the safety of vulnerable road users, including cyclists.

    Click here to view the most recent figures.

  6. European Commission announces 30 km/h speed limits success as Bologna and Wales report progress

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    Source: ETSC

    The European Commission has emphasised the importance of 30 km/h speed limits in reducing road injuries, fatalities, and pollution levels.

    In response to a parliamentary question, Wopke Hoekstra, the new commissioner for transport following Adina Vălean’s election to the European Parliament in June, highlighted that “the Commission acknowledges that speed is a major factor in road deaths and serious injuries, particularly in urban areas, where vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists or the users of e-scooters constitute 70% of fatalities.

    Recent research on the impact of city-wide 30 km/h speed limits in 40 European cities points to significant benefits. On average, these speed limits led to a 23%, 37%, and 38% reduction in road crashes, fatalities, and injuries respectively.

    The commissioner also emphasised that the impact on travel time is limited and the benefits to rod safety and other factors “often outweigh any change in travel times.

    The Welsh government recently revealed data that road crashes and injuries between April and June 2024 fell by about a quarter compared to the same period in 2023, suggesting a positive impact from new 20 mph limits in urban areas.

    Italy’s City of Bologna announced since launching its Città 30 program of 30 km/h limits city-wide, has seen road collisions drop by nearly 11% and injuries by over 10% in the first six months, compared to averages from the same period in 2022 and 2023. Severe crashes have plummeted by 38%, and fatalities have decreased by a third, reaching lows comparable to those during the Covid lockdowns. Vehicle traffic has reduced slightly (-3%), while traffic-related pollution has fallen by over 20%. Bike sharing has nearly doubled (+92%), with bicycle trips up by 12%.

    In Germany, recent changes to traffic laws now make it somewhat easier for local authorities to set 30 km/h limits. However, a coalition of cities argues that the changes are insufficient and has scheduled an online conference on November 29 for municipalities interested in implementing safer speed limits.

  7. Transport for London (TfL) considers reducing minimum age limit for e-scooter riders to 16 and increasing the speed limit

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    Source: Safer Highways

    Transport officials under Sadiq Khan are reportedly considering raising the maximum speed for rental e-scooters to 15.5 mph and lowering the minimum rider age to 16.

    This proposal comes despite 35 serious e-scooter-related injuries in London since trials began in 2021 as part of the city’s “green transport revolution.

    Currently, nearly 5,000 rental scooters in London have a speed cap of 12.5 mph. However, according to a report referenced by The Telegraph, Transport for London (TfL) is considering aligning with the UK’s national e-scooter speed limit of 15.5 mph. The proposal would also permit riders aged 16 and older, provided they hold a provisional license.

    London’s two e-scooter operators each have their own age restrictions: Lime requires riders to be 18, while Voi sets the minimum at 16. Nationally, e-scooters are capped at 15.5 mph, though some cities, like London, have opted for lower speed limits.

    The London Council report indicates that TfL hopes these adjustments could bolster the e-scooter trial’s longevity and competitiveness. However, safety concerns remain high; Department for Transport data from 2022 reveals that e-scooters were involved in 1,402 collisions across Britain, with 440 resulting in serious injuries requiring hospital treatment. Tragically, 12 fatalities were recorded in e-scooter accidents that year, including 11 riders and one pedestrian.

    Sarah Gayton, a representative from the blind advocacy charity NFBUK, criticized TfL’s consideration of speed increases, calling it “insane” and alleging undue influence from e-scooter operators. In defense, TfL’s e-scooter trial lead Helen Sharp emphasized the trial’s safety standards, adding that while they considered aligning with the national 15.5 mph limit, no immediate changes are planned.

    In London, e-scooters can currently be rented in boroughs including Camden, City of London, Ealing (east), Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Tower Hamlets (Canary Wharf area), and Westminster. The rental contracts for these e-scooters have been extended until 2026.

  8. Finnish proposals to improve micromobility saftey legislation circulated for comments

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    Source: Finish Government

    Ministry of Transport and Communications requests feedback on micromobility legislation

    The Ministry of Transport and Communications is seeking public comments on a draft proposal for legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of electric scooters and other micromobility vehicles. The deadline for submitting feedback is 1 November 2024.

    The government of Prime Minister Orpo has committed to introducing legislation on electric scooters and micromobility during its term. This includes providing towns and municipalities with tools to better manage micromobility services.

    Key Measures to Improve Road Safety: Alcohol Limit and Municipal Micromobility Licence

    The draft proposal suggests several changes to national laws, aimed at regulating micromobility and significantly improving road safety.

    Key proposals:
    • A blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per ml for riders of light electric vehicles and motorised bicycles.
    • A micromobility licence, which municipalities can use to regulate service providers.
    • An increase in traffic penalty fees for non-motorised vehicle riders.
    • New penalty fees for vehicle condition, structure, and equipment violations.
    • Harmonisation of traffic rules.

    The proposed legislation includes a maximum blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.5 per ml for riding light electric vehicles and motorised bicycles. Additionally, municipalities could issue a micromobility licence for operators of electric scooters and similar vehicles. In practice, this means professional rental services for electric scooters would require a licence, which would allow municipalities to manage the number of rental vehicles and ensure safety, accessibility, and road maintenance.

    The alcohol limit and the micromobility licence are expected to have the most significant positive impacts on road safety.

    Reducing Risks with Compliance and Responsible Driving

    Several existing laws already apply to electric scooters and other micromobility devices, such as the Road Traffic Act, the Vehicles Act, the Consumer Protection Act, the Consumer Safety Act, and the Motor Liability Insurance Act. Electric scooter riders must follow the same traffic rules as cyclists, including observing traffic signs and using appropriate paths.

    Electric scooters should be used on cycle paths or lanes. In their absence, they may be used on the road or verge, but not on pavements. Passengers are only permitted if the scooter is equipped with a passenger seat. Riders must not be under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or in any condition that impairs their ability to safely control the vehicle.

    Next Steps

    Comments on the draft proposal can be submitted by 1 November 2024 through www.lausuntopalvelu.fi. After the consultation period, public officials will continue drafting the law. The proposed changes are expected to come into effect by summer 2025.

  9. European Road Safety Observatory Report: The crucial role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems

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    Source: European Commission

    A new report from the European Road Safety Observatory underscores the critical role of helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems in reducing fatalities and serious injuries on the road. Proper use of motorcycle helmets can decrease the risk of fatal crashes by approximately 40% and severe head injuries by nearly 70%. Likewise, bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of fatal head or brain injuries by an average of 71%. Seatbelts lower the risk of fatal incidents by 60% for front-seat occupants and 44% for rear-seat passengers. Correctly used child restraint systems reduce the likelihood of death or injury by around 60% compared to unrestrained children.

    Compliance and Challenges

    While compliance with seatbelt laws is generally high, some countries still face challenges, particularly regarding rear-seat passengers. Motorcycle helmet use is also largely compliant, with a few exceptions. However, the correct and consistent use of bicycle helmets and child restraint systems is less prevalent, with many instances of incorrect or non-use.

    The Importance of Education and Enforcement

    Educational programs play a vital role in promoting the use of protective equipment, but enforcement of legislation is equally important. In most EU countries, the perceived likelihood of being checked or fined for not using protective gear remains relatively low, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement measures.

    EU Road Safety Goals and Legislative Framework

    The EU has set an ambitious target to reduce road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the EU road safety policy framework for 2021-2030. While the responsibility for traffic rules and enforcement lies primarily with EU Member States, EU laws mandate the use of motorcycle helmets, seatbelts, and child restraint systems. This latest report is part of the European Commission’s ongoing efforts to promote safer mobility across the EU, with the European Road Safety Observatory regularly publishing research on key road safety topics.

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