WHO European Regions call for action for safer mobility and urban transport

After the Stockholm Declaration adopted by the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety on the 19 and 20 of February, the “WHO European Healthy Cities Network” and the “WHO Regions for Health Network” have issued a joint statement calling for action for safe mobility and transport for urban populations.

A lack of road safety is the leading cause of death among children and young adults. Around the world, 1.35 million people are killed and 50 million are injured yearly in road traffic accidents, bringing massive economic and social consequences. In the EU, pedestrians and cyclists are to most vulnerable streets users as they are the victims in 70% of fatal urban road accidents.

The joint statement recognises the importance of planning and implementing new policy frameworks to improve urban road safety. It highlights the fact that, during this process, political leadership, co-creation, and participation are crucial. It aims at promoting the role of existing networks, such as the “WHO European Healthy Cities Network” and the “WHO Regions for Health Network", as key actors in building cooperation at the regional and city levels.

In addition, it encourages leaders across Europe to deliver on its goals recognising the importance of focusing on how cities can be conducive to safe practices. Safety should be a key component of land use, street design, transport system planning, and governance. The strengthening of institutional capacity regarding law enforcement, vehicle safety, infrastructure improvement, post-accident care, and data management are also crucial elements.

Some best practices highlighted during the event were:

• Reduced speed limits in Malmö, where the maximum speed of 40 km/hour in the city and 30 km/hour near schools have seen many advantages.
• London’s Vision Zero, as a system of actions formally adopted to eradicate deaths and serious injuries from London’s urban roads.
• The Utrecht bike! Programme as a good example for the world’s largest bike-parking facility, a good network of separate bike lanes, and dedicated bike bridges over the city’s canal.