21 May 2024

The Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety and its 350 members in more than 100 countries, plus civil society organizations around the world launch the #CommitToAct Mobility Snapshot campaign.

Through coordinated global action, the campaign will shine a spotlight on the unsafe journeys that people, especially pedestrians, face every day on their way to work, school, and shopping. 

Pedestrians account for 23% of road traffic fatalities worldwide, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, and 35% of road traffic fatalities in Nigeria. Pedestrians are among the most at-risk and overlooked road users on our streets. Yet, we are nearly all pedestrians at some point in our daily journeys.

Solutions that can make their journeys safer are well-proven and cost-effective. They include 30 km/h zones where people and vehicles mix; clear, usable footpaths; crossings that give pedestrians legal priority; and traffic calming, such as speed bumps and raised crossings, to reduce the speed of traffic in areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are present. These interventions are set out in the Alliance Accountability Toolkit.

By doing Mobility Snapshots (simple data collection at intersections) during the campaign week, road safety advocates will challenge the assumption that roads should be built for and prioritize cars. They will call for action to address the needs of people, especially those at the most risk of injury,  through the implementation of the evidence-based solutions listed above.

During the campaign, in Abuja FCT, GreenLight Initiative has done a Mobility Snapshot at Utako Market, Abuja FCT, a high-traffic zone where vehicles and pedestrians frequently interact and about 1488 people walk during peak hours. GreenLight Initiative will now advocate for 30km/hr, foot part crossing, and traffic calming measures on the road.

Stephen Adebayo, the Programs and Grant Officer for GreenLight Initiative said, “Our Mobility Snapshot at Utako Market highlights the urgent need for safer pedestrian infrastructure. With 1,488 people navigating this busy intersection during peak hours, we must prioritize their safety. By advocating for a 30 km/hr speed limit, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures, we aim to create a safer environment for all road users. These changes will not only reduce the risk of road crashes but also enhance the overall mobility and quality of life for the community.”

To find out more about the campaign, go to https://www.roadsafetyngos.org/act-now/mobility-snapshots/ or contact info@greenlightng.org