WHO EMRO | 8th UN Global Road Safety Week: Make Walking Safe
12 May 2025 marks the commencement of the eighth UN Global Road Safety Week in Cairo, Egypt, with a renewed focus on promoting safer walking and cycling. This international campaign, initiated by the United Nations General Assembly, aims to encourage national and local actions that enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. By implementing evidence-based interventions, stakeholders from various sectors can contribute to creating safer urban environments, ultimately fostering healthier communities and reducing road traffic fatalities.
Focus on Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists
The eighth UN Global Road Safety Week emphasizes the importance of making walking and cycling safer through a comprehensive safe system approach. This initiative invites governments, international organizations, corporations, schools, communities, and civil society to collaborate on implementing effective safety measures. By prioritizing safe walking and cycling, cities can not only improve road safety but also promote healthier lifestyles. Regular physical activity, such as walking and cycling, plays a crucial role in preventing noncommunicable diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. Furthermore, these activities enhance mental health, reduce anxiety, and support healthy development in children and adolescents.
Statistics Highlight Urgent Need for Action
According to the Global Status Report for Road Safety 2023, the Eastern Mediterranean Region accounts for 11% of global road traffic fatalities, with pedestrians and cyclists representing over 30% of these deaths. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective interventions to improve safety for vulnerable road users. The report highlights various measures being adopted across the region, such as establishing safe crossings and providing bicycle insurance. These initiatives are essential in addressing the high proportion of pedestrian deaths and enhancing overall road safety.
Global Commitment to Safer Mobility
The significance of promoting safe walking and cycling has been reinforced by consecutive UN General Assembly resolutions. These resolutions urge member states to adopt a safe system approach that strengthens laws, infrastructure, and urban planning. By integrating walking, cycling, and public transport into the broader transportation framework, countries can reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. The Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 outlines cost-effective measures for implementation at the country level, ensuring that walking and cycling are safe and integral to multimodal transport systems.
Building Momentum for Change
The eighth UN Global Road Safety Week arrives at a pivotal moment in the Decade of Action for Road Safety, following the endorsement of the 2025 Marrakech Declaration. This declaration reaffirms countries’ commitment to ensuring safety for all road users. The week serves as a crucial opportunity to amplify efforts and implement inclusive interventions that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. By scaling up collective actions, stakeholders can contribute to achieving the Decade of Action and Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to reduce road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030.
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