Source: ZAG Daily

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently launched its active mobility toolkit, aligning with the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week which took place from 12-18 May, with the theme ‘Make Walking and Cycling Safe’.

The biennial Road Safety Week advocates for action at both national and local levels to improve the safety of active travel, and to reduce fatalities. With over one quarter of global road fatalities each year comprising of pedestrians and cyclists, the WHO toolkit details seven priority policy areas which can guide governments and local authorities in enhancing the safety of active travel.

The seven policy areas

• Integrating walking and cycling into all relevant policies
• Providing safe and connected walking and cycling networks
• Designing inclusive and safe streets for all
• Improving safe road user behaviour
• Protecting and prioritising walking and cycling
• Facilitating integrated transport options
• Promoting and incentivising walking and cycling

Alongside outlining these priority areas, the comprehensive toolkit provides the reasons for instigating integrated walking and cycling, details practical steps and real-world case studies, and gives guidance on implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

The numbers

1.2 million road fatalities occur each year globally, with pedestrians and cyclists representing a substantial proportion. However, less than one-third of countries have national policies in place to promote walking and cycling, and the WHO toolkit states that, “Despite their value, walking and cycling remain under-prioritized in policy and planning. Globally, infrastructure is inadequate – only 0.2% of reported road length includes cycling lanes, and the majority of roads are unsafe for pedestrians. Vulnerable groups, including women, children, older adults, and those with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by poor infrastructure and unsafe streets.”

Other region-specific WHO data reveals that, between 2011 and 2021, cyclist deaths in the European region rose 50%, while in the Western Pacific region the figure was 88%. In the Southeast Asia region, pedestrian deaths rose by 42% in the same timeframe.

The benefits of walking and cycling

The toolkit was launched during the WHO’s ‘Streets for Life’ webinar on 12 May, during which the health and environmental advantages were highlighted by WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“This 8th Global UN Road Safety Week highlights the huge benefits that arise from walking and cycling. Every step and ride reduces congestion and air pollution, helps to fight climate change, and lowers the risk of diseases like cancer and diabetes.

“But to reap these gains we must make walking and cycling safe.  More than one-quarter of all road traffic deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists, and fatalities have risen rapidly in some regions. When walking and cycling are made safe and accessible, more people choose these healthy options. That’s why WHO is calling on policymakers to make active mobility safe by reducing speeds and investing in infrastructure to create safe, connected networks for walking and cycling.”

The webinar was closed by observations from WHO’s Department of Health Promotion Director Rüdiger Krech.

“Investing in walking and cycling delivers a powerful return – healthier populations, healthier cities, equity and greater climate resilience. The message is clear: the time for action is now. Let’s prioritise walking and cycling to create healthier, safer and more inclusive communities for all.”