Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission’s Expert Group on Urban Mobility (EGUM) has issued recommendations to the European Commission on a range of measures they should take to enhance road safety for people who walk, cycle, and utilise light electric vehicles.
What Measures Does EGUM Recommend to Improve Road Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists?
At the top of the index, experts want the EU Commission to advise that all European cities adopt 30 km/h speed limitations as “excessive motor vehicle speed” is a significant factor in road collisions. As co-chair of the sub-group who wrote the paper, ECF operated closely with national and city governments, industry leaders, and civil society to create recommendations that would have the greatest impact in achieving the EU’s strategy to acquire zero road deaths by 2050, a plan known as “Vision Zero.”, making Europe’s roads safer for individuals walking and cycling.
How Will EGUM’s Recommendations Address the Risks Associated with Motor Vehicle Use?
EGUM firmly advocates that achieving these ambitious objectives requires policies that prioritise and save walking and cycling. To accomplish this, the expert group recommends the EU Commission issue a formal request to EU governments to implement 30km/h speed limits in urban areas. Develop quality conditions for road infrastructure to be used by pedestrians and cyclists Acquire more details and competence on the matter of distraction by motor vehicle users, and eventually control the use of touchscreens and mobile phones in cars
What Are the Proposed Enhancements for Road Infrastructure and Automotive Technologies?
Regulate automotive technologies, aided braking and automated driving systems, to ensure they operate safely and don’t threaten people who walk and cycle on the roads. Enforce limitations on the design, weight and control of motor vehicles “as a crucial way to reduce road deaths and serious injuries”. Ensure that the EU’s flagship transport approach, the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), integrates cycling and walking infrastructure and prioritises the protection of people who walk, cycle, and use light electric vehicles and micromobility devices. These recommendations were approved by nearly all members of the EGUM, which is about 80 people representing national and local administrations, civil society and industry.
