How safe is walking and cycling in Europe? PIN Flash Report 38.

Abstract

This report examines the most recent available data on the current safety levels of cycling and walking across the EU and other countries that provide data to ETSC as part of its Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) programme. ETSC found a very mixed picture across different countries. On the one hand, the Netherlands and Denmark with a large amount of comparatively safe cycling and walking – and, on the other, Romania and others that have a long way to go.Underreporting of deaths and injuries is a particular problem for pedestrians and especially cyclists. But it is also possible to see the kinds of policies that are working, and there are examples from national experts throughout the report. The Safe System approach requires a combination of safe infrastructure, safe speeds, safe road users and good quality emergency response. For a serious shift to walking and cycling, particularly for local journeys in densely populated areas, the very design of urban spaces will need to change. There will be a role for the EU, national and local governments and ETSC presents recommendations for policymakers throughout the report.