Latest news with #8thUnitedNationsGlobalRoadSafetyWeek
The Print
05-06-2025
- General
- The Print
Pimpri Chinchwad shows how to put people before vehicles. It's a model for urban India
Our roads must serve people—not just vehicles. In Pimpri Chinchwad, 23 per cent of daily commuters walk, and around 1 per cent cycle. But the streets they navigate daily are fraught with danger. The absence of continuous footpaths, safe pedestrian crossings, and protected cycling lanes exposes them to constant risk. If our mobility systems are to be truly inclusive, they must be built around the needs of those who walk and cycle. Streets that are safe for the most vulnerable are streets that are safe for everyone. Pimpri Chinchwad, a key city in the Pune Metropolitan Region, is a microcosm of this broader national challenge. In 2022 and 2023, the Pune district recorded 3,343 road crash fatalities. Within the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate, there was a small decline—fatalities fell from 373 in 2022 to 360 in 2023. Still, nearly one-third of those killed were pedestrians, and another 2 per cent were cyclists. For a city that aspires to be smart, inclusive, and liveable, these numbers are deeply concerning. Every year, more than 1.19 million lives are lost in road crashes across the world. In India alone, over 165,000 people die annually in such incidents—an enormous human and economic tragedy that costs the country an estimated 3 per cent of its GDP. As the world observed the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week from 12 to 18 May, under the theme 'Streets for Life – Make Walking and Cycling Safe', it is time for our cities to confront this crisis head-on, especially for the sake of their most vulnerable road users. Recognising this, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has launched several people-first mobility initiatives. Also Read: Reckless drivers, beware! This Pune engineer keeps score with his traffic violation hall of shame Building India's first 15-minute city At the heart of PCMC's efforts is Harit Setu—India's first 15-Minute City pilot, located in Pradhikaran, Nigdi. Through this initiative, PCMC is redesigning key corridors to ensure that essential services, public spaces, and transit options are within safe walking or cycling distance. The project is being led by the newly formed Urban Mobility Department, reflecting PCMC's commitment to sustainable and inclusive transport planning. Harit Setu also aims to improve last-mile connectivity by integrating public transport modes—such as the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) and metro—with safe, non-motorised transport infrastructure. Complementary measures such as lowering speed limits, redesigning high-risk locations, removing black spots, and introducing Safe School Zones in partnership with the Pimpri Chinchwad Police are making the city's streets safer, step by step. PCMC is also part of two global road safety programmes: the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS) and the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI). Pimpri Chinchwad is the only Asian city selected for BICI—a recognition of its leadership in promoting cycling. With support from partners like the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy-India (ITDP), and Prasanna Desai Architects, the city is implementing world-class design principles to protect all road users. In a landmark move, PCMC has officially endorsed the Global Street Design Guide, further aligning its planning framework with international best practices. Redesign the roads, not just rules Despite progress, challenges remain—especially speeding, which continues to be a leading cause of road deaths. A rethink is needed in how we classify and design roads. Instead of relying solely on categories like arterial and sub-arterial, cities must adopt a context-sensitive approach that aligns street design with actual user behaviour. Research shows that a small number of high-speed roads often account for the majority of pedestrian fatalities. These roads need to be redesigned with appropriate speed limits and built-in traffic-calming features, in line with Indian Road Congress standards. Strong enforcement is equally vital. Installing speed cameras, expanding CCTV coverage, and ensuring coordination between PCMC, the Traffic Police, and the Regional Transport Office will help create a safer and more accountable road environment. Good street design can itself act as a form of self-enforcement—encouraging safer behaviour without the need for constant policing. Of course, change is not always welcomed. Some stakeholders argue that narrower lanes and lower speed limits cause traffic delays or harm economic activity. But evidence from cities around the world shows the opposite—well-designed, safer streets make neighbourhoods more vibrant, healthier, and economically resilient. Also Read: 460 road deaths every day—10 Indian states have come up with safety models. It's working Road safety is everyone's job To make a lasting impact, Pimpri Chinchwad must foster a city-wide culture of road safety. Civic authorities cannot do it alone. Citizens, schools, colleges, resident welfare groups, and companies all have a role to play in promoting walking and cycling. Drivers must learn to respect pedestrian crossings and cyclists' right of way. Public awareness campaigns—on speed limits, helmets, seatbelts, and traffic discipline—must be expanded across media platforms. Change will only come when people are empowered to be part of the solution. The city already has the data, pilot projects, and planning tools. Now, what's needed is collective resolve—from policymakers, enforcers, and citizens alike—to put people before vehicles. If Pimpri Chinchwad succeeds in cutting road crash fatalities by half by 2030, it will not only save hundreds of lives—it will also chart a new path for urban India. The journey to zero traffic deaths is long, but it begins with a single, safe step. Let this be the moment Pimpri-Chinchwad chooses Streets for Life—and in doing so, chooses a safer, healthier future for all. Shekhar Singh, IAS, is the Municipal Commissioner and Administrator of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Jashwanth Tej Kasala is Program Manager, Global Designing Cities Initiative. Views are personal. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
Gulf Today
16-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi participates in 8th UN Global Road Safety Week
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, participated in the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week through a series of targeted awareness and on-ground initiatives. This year's campaign focused on enhancing pedestrian safety and promoting the responsible use of micromobility across the emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility's participation reaffirms its commitment to advancing road safety through global partnerships and local community initiatives. It also reflects the emirate's broader vision of building a safe, inclusive, and forward-looking transport environment. The programme featured a range of on-ground activities across Abu Dhabi, tailored to engage key community groups. Commenting on the occasion, Engineer Abdulla Hamad Al Eryani, Acting Executive Director of the Planning and Strategic Affairs Sector at Abu Dhabi Mobility, stated that the initiative reflects the Centre's ongoing efforts to embed safety into daily mobility practices. He noted that real impact comes from sustained awareness and close coordination with partners and the wider community. Al Eryani added that achieving meaningful change in road behaviour depends on sustained, real-world engagement and delivering clear, relatable safety messages. He highlighted that coordinated action among key stakeholders is essential to ensure these efforts have lasting and measurable impact. The initiative builds on Abu Dhabi Mobility's continued efforts to encourage safer transport behaviours through direct engagement with the public. It represents a shift towards practical, sustainable solutions that empower individuals to actively contribute to a safer mobility culture across the emirate. The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police is participating in the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week under the theme '#MakeWalkingSafe #MakeCyclingSafe,' reaffirming its commitment to promoting a culture of safe crossing among drivers and pedestrians, which contributes to reducing accidents and achieving the highest levels of traffic safety. Brigadier General Mahmoud Youssef Al Baloushi, Director of the Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols, emphasised Abu Dhabi Police's focus on raising awareness regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety as part of its strategic priority—road safety. He called on pedestrians to strictly use designated crossing areas, including bridges, tunnels, and pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic signals, and to avoid jaywalking and being distracted by phones while walking. He stressed that compliance with laws is a shared responsibility that protects lives and enhances community security. He also urged drivers to give priority to pedestrians and remain vigilant in areas near schools and residential complexes, noting that respecting pedestrian rights reflects the driver's awareness and civilised commitment. WAM
Al Etihad
13-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Police participate in 8th UN Global Road Safety Week
13 May 2025 18:27 ABU DHABI (WAM)The General Command of Abu Dhabi Police is participating in the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week under the theme '#MakeWalkingSafe #MakeCyclingSafe'', reaffirming its commitment to promoting a culture of safe crossing among drivers and pedestrians, which contributes to reducing accidents and achieving the highest levels of traffic UN-WHO global campaign aims to encourage safer urban infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and calls upon governments and communities to implement proven measures to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities. The initiative aims to address the rising number of deaths and injuries caused by unsafe road conditions and motorist General Mahmoud Youssef Al Baloushi, Director of the Directorate of Traffic and Security Patrols, emphasised Abu Dhabi Police's focus on raising awareness regarding pedestrian and cyclist safety as part of its strategic priority—road called on pedestrians to strictly use designated crossing areas, including bridges, tunnels, and pedestrian crossings regulated by traffic signals, and to avoid jaywalking and being distracted by phones while walking. He stressed that compliance with laws is a shared responsibility that protects lives and enhances community security. He also urged drivers to give priority to pedestrians and remain vigilant in areas near schools and residential complexes, noting that respecting pedestrian rights reflects the driver's awareness and civilised Baloushi highlighted the ongoing efforts to spread awareness through field campaigns and digital platforms, using modern technologies to boost traffic awareness among all community members. He also emphasised the importance of joint cooperation in adopting correct traffic behaviours to achieve more positive results that contribute to enhancing traffic safety within the community. The eighth UN Global Road Safety Week, which launched yesterday, comes at a significant time in the current Decade of Action for Road Safety. It follows the endorsement of the 2025 Marrakech Declaration by Member States during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which reinforced countries' commitment to make walking and cycling safe for all.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- IOL News
No more freeloading from the RAF, it's not a lottery, warns the Deputy Transport Minister Hlengwa
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers OPPORTUNISTS looking to freeload from the Road Accident Fund with tall stories of misfortune or deliberately harm themselves to secure pay days must refrain from such activities. That was warning sounded by Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa to those who planned to perpetrate acts of fraud to benefit unfairly and drain the RAF of resources that could benefit deserving claims. Hlengwa made those utterances about fraudsters trying to hit the jackpot with their fictitious claims at the launch of the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week campaign in Durban on Sunday. The RAF's Snegugu Mavundla said that the entity was beset with constant fraudulent claims, which triggered the Minister's reaction. Mavundla said that at times, they were unable to help members of the public because there were people who lie and cheat, or plan to throw themselves in front of moving vehicles because they know they will get millions of rands in return. However, the RAF was now in a position to side-step such claims because there were many steps to go through before a supposed road crash victim gets their hands on money they thought they would get. In response, Hlengwa told those harbouring hopes of getting hurt in road incidents that, 'there is no money and National Treasury says they were only collecting R2,17 from every litre of petrol or diesel at the pumps and had to give money to the RAF, besides it's one of the things increasing the cost of living in South Africa'. 'Go look for other ways to get money because soon we will close the R2,17 per litre tap.' He said because of the exorbitant amounts collected from the RAF, he and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy have agreed and have written a draft bill, which they will take to Parliament, which will then reduce the amount payable to people. Hlengwa said the RAF is not the lotto. 'It serves as government intervention for those who cannot help themselves. Therefore, we curse this abuse of the RAF,' Hlengwa said. Hlengwa also expressed concern over road safety in South Africa. 'Let us not speed on the roads,' Hlengwa said. 'We encourage having a second driver for long distances so there is rest every 200km, every two hours because another thing the RTMC and the department realised when releasing statistics is that driver exhaustion behind the wheel has a big impact in causing crashes.' He added: 'I want to, therefore, indicate that it is of critical importance that we do the right things, have the right driver behind the steering wheel, and ensure the roadworthiness of our vehicles on the road. When you are a driver, you don't just drive your own vehicle, you drive the entire ecosystem, you drive all vehicles around you. It forces you to be observant.' [email protected] DAILY NEWS
IOL News
13-05-2025
- IOL News
The RAF is not a lottery, says Deputy Transport Minister Hlengwa
Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa. Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers Transport Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa has sent a message to those trying to defraud the Road Accident Fund (RAF), saying it is not a lottery jackpot. Hlengwa made these comments launching the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week campaign in Durban on Sunday. The RAF's Snegugu Mavundla, who said fraud was a challenge within the government agency, sparked the Minister's reaction. Mavundla said that at times, they cannot help the public because there are people who lie, plan or throw themselves in front of moving vehicles because they know they will get millions of rands. However, now the RAF can avoid this because there are many steps to go through before the road crash victim gets the money they thought they would get. Reacting, Hlengwa told those budgeting on getting hurt in road incidents that, 'there is no money and National Treasury says since we are collecting R2,17 a litre of petrol or diesel at the pumps and then giving the RAF, it's one of the things increasing the cost of living in South Africa'. 'Go look for other ways to get money because soon we will close the R2,17 per litre tap.' He said because of the exorbitant amounts collected from the RAF, he and Transport Minister Barbara Creecy have agreed and have written a draft bill, which they will take to Parliament, which will reduce the amount payable to people. Hlengwa said the RAF is not the lotto. 'It serves as government intervention for those who cannot help themselves. Therefore, we curse this abuse of the RAF,' Hlengwa said. Meanwhile, Hlengwa also expressed concern over road safety in South Africa. 'Let us not speed on the roads,' Hlengwa said. 'We encourage having a second driver for long distances so there is rest every 200km, every two hours because another thing the RTMC and the department when releasing statistics is that exhaustion on the road behind the wheel has a big impact in causing crashes.' He added: 'I want to, therefore, indicate that it is of critical importance that we do the right things, have the right driver behind the steering wheel, and ensure the roadworthiness of our vehicles on the road. When you are a driver, you don't just drive your own vehicle, you drive the entire ecosystem, you drive all vehicles around you. It forces you to be observant.'
