How safe is walking and cycling in Europe?

This report calls for urgent action to ensure sustainable modes of transport, such as walking and cycling, are made much safer.The report has been published by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) on the back of figures revealing 51,300 pedestrians and 19,450 cyclists were killed on EU roads between 2010 and 2018.The statistics also show while deaths among motorised vehicle occupants fell by an average of 3.1% a year during that period, deaths among cyclists averaged only a 0.4% annual reduction – eight times slower.

The ETSC says the figures highlight a failure by the EU, many governments, local authorities and motor vehicle manufacturers to invest more heavily in measures to protect vulnerable road users.

The report recommends applying a hierarchy for urban planning that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport over private car use – as well as 30 km/h (20mph) limits in residential areas, supported by traffic calming infrastructure and enforcement.

It also calls on the EU to channel funds into road safety improvements, particularly when it comes to infrastructure, and for improved data recording.