A Win for Climate and Health Mainstreaming Road Safety in Sustainable Transport Projects

In recent years, the imperative for cities to combat climate change and promote public health and livability has become increasingly urgent. Sustainable transport solutions, such as public transportation and walking and cycling infrastructure, play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. However, the link between these solutions and road safety remains a less-explored approach to meeting Vision Zero and related traffic injury and fatality reduction goals.

This WUF networking session will bring together experts and practitioners to explore the crucial role of sustainable transport projects in road safety. Presentations will discuss the intersection of sustainable transport, climate action, and public health. There will be a specific focus on mainstreaming road safety considerations in transport planning and implementation, as well as how a road safety framing can catalyze more comprehensive actions for public and active transportation planning. While speed management policies are a critical element of safe streets, these can be politically challenging to implement and require enforcement to ensure behavior change. In the near term, street designs that prioritize public transport, cycling, and walking and self-enforce low speeds for vehicles can deliver road safety--and many other--benefits. Speakers will share specific case study projects, such as the Egyptian Code for Cycling Paths, that demonstrate how active mobility and public transport interventions improve road safety.