Pedestrians, cyclists make up 30% of regional road deaths
Cairo, Egypt – The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the Eastern Mediterranean Region accounts for 11% of global road traffic fatalities, with the second highest road traffic death rate among all WHO regions. Pedestrians and cyclists, who make up more than 30% of these deaths, remain particularly vulnerable, the highest proportion globally after Africa.
The eighth UN Global Road Safety Week, which began on Monday, May 12, aims to address this critical issue by promoting safer walking and cycling. The international campaign, requested by the UN General Assembly, advocates for practical, evidence-based interventions to improve road safety for non-motorised users.
The 2023 Global Status Report for Road Safety found that many countries in the region have taken steps to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. These measures include safer pedestrian crossings in 11 countries and bicycle insurance in two.
'Safe walking and cycling have a direct impact on road safety, health, and the environment,' the WHO stated. The agency noted that promoting these modes of transport can reduce road traffic injuries, cut air and noise pollution, and support public health by encouraging physical activity.
Regular physical activity, including walking and cycling, helps prevent noncommunicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers. It also supports mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety and improving cognitive function. For children and adolescents, these activities encourage healthy growth and muscle development.
The campaign aligns with the 'Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030' and the 'Strategic Action Framework to Strengthen Road Safety Systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region', both of which propose cost-effective, evidence-based measures to make walking and cycling integral to national transport systems.
UN resolutions have repeatedly called for action to promote safer walking and cycling as part of broader efforts to cut global road deaths and improve urban liveability.
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