As Cycling And Walking Deaths Surge, Safety Experts Urge ‘Bold Action'

Forbes

12-05-2025

In the European Region, cyclist deaths surged by 50%, according to the World Health Organization. ... More When bicycle lanes aren't protected, cyclists can get hurt and even killed by car doors that are opened suddenly.
Every year, nearly 1.2 million people globally lose their lives on the roads, and as many as 50 million more are seriously injured. More than 1 of every 4 deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists – in the European region alone, cyclist deaths surged by 50% – but only 0.2% of the roads worldwide are equipped with cycle lanes, and many communities around the world lack basic safety infrastructure like sidewalks or pedestrian crossings.
Those are just a few of the sober realities highlighted during the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week, which kicked off on Monday and continues through May 18th.
'Walking and cycling help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer – leading causes of premature death,' Etienne Krug, director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Department for the Social Determinants of Health, told Forbes. These most natural means of transport, he said, 'also curb air pollution, reduce traffic congestion and help fight climate change. Yet for communities to reap all these gains, we must first make walking and cycling safe.
'This is why we're calling for more urgent action,' Dr. Krug said, 'and why we're releasing a new policy toolkit to do exactly that.'
This week the WHO, the lead road safety agency for the United Nations, joins hundreds of organizations and governments worldwide to promote a shift to more walking and cycling and to make it safer and more accessible.
Under the theme 'Make walking and cycling safe,' the WHO launched 'Promoting walking and cycling: a toolkit of policy options' that presents practical guidelines and interventions designed for all sectors – from governments at all levels, international agencies, and urban planners to health advocates, businesses and schools. Included are case studies that showcase real-world examples of how these policy options are being successfully put into practice.
Dr. Krug answered questions for Forbes about the 8th edition of the UN global road safety week and the new toolkit. His responses were edited for clarity and length.
Forbes: Why is walking and cycling safety the focus this year?
Dr. Krug:. At least one pedestrian or cyclist is killed on the world's roads every 2 minutes. More than a quarter (26%) of the 1.2 million annual road traffic deaths occur among people moving by foot (21%) or bicycle (5%), yet 80% of the world's roads don't meet pedestrian safety standards and less than 1% have cycle lanes.
In addition, the danger faced by those who walk and cycle is rising in many regions. Between 2011 and 2021:
What are some highlights of this year's programming?
Hundreds of events are being planned around the world. The Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, YOURS: Youth for Road Safety and several other partners are hosting events in many countries. They are also promoting use of a set of technical tools that allow people to document their experiences walking and cycling in their neighborhoods and bringing any potential dangers to the attention of local authorities. We have seen instances of this exposure leading to immediate and substantive changes, for example, to the infrastructure around specific intersections or around schools.
We are also promoting continued attention to what works to prevent road traffic deaths, including among those who walk and cycle: better laws and law enforcement, in particular around speeding, drinking and driving and using mobile phones while driving; better vehicle design, including anti-lock braking systems; better road infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks and protected bicycle lanes; and better emergency trauma care systems.
What is the goal of the new WHO toolkit?
'Promoting walking and cycling: a toolkit of policy options' calls for bold action to advance and foster safe walking and cycling. It sets out seven areas where change is needed and possible - providing guidance to policy-makers, practitioners and advocates. Examples of actions all countries and cities can implement include: setting strong frameworks by integrating walking and cycling into all relevant policy areas; investing in building safe, connected networks for walking and cycling; setting street design standards to ensure safe design and infrastructure such as sidewalks, crosswalks and protected bike lanes; ensuring safe road use by setting and enforcing safe speeds for motor-vehicles; and promoting safety through public awareness campaigns and to encourage active mobility.
What is the big take-a-way?
Walking and cycling should be the most ordinary and therefore the safest modes of transport. Leaders must prioritize making walking and cycling safe, above all, to save lives on the roads. When these modes are safe, they will also help us reap all the health, environmental and economic gains that flow from more safe walking and cycling. Many countries are taking steps in the right direction, prioritizing our right to safe mobility. Governments must continue to rethink mobility, improving safety so that people are able to make more healthy and sustainable transport choices.
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