8th UN Global Road Safety Week 2025: Making Walking and Cycling Safer

The 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week is being observed from 12 to 18 May 2025, with the theme #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe. This global campaign aims to encourage safer urban infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and calls upon governments and communities to implement proven measures to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Why in News?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners are organizing the 8th edition of the UN Global Road Safety Week in May 2025, focusing on pedestrian and cyclist safety. The initiative aims to address the rising number of deaths and injuries caused by unsafe road conditions and motorist behaviors.

Aim and Objectives

• Promote safe infrastructure and transport policies for walking and cycling.
• Raise global awareness of road traffic dangers to non-motorized commuters.
• Encourage policy reforms and law enforcement to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths.

Background

• UN Global Road Safety Week is a biennial observance organized by WHO and UN partners.
• Road traffic crashes are among the top 10 causes of death globally, especially for people aged 5-29.
• This campaign supports the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, which aims to reduce road traffic deaths by 50%.

Key Facts

• Pedestrians and cyclists account for over 25% of global road traffic deaths.
• Safe urban transport options enhance public health, sustainability, and equality.
• Infrastructure enhancements like dedicated lanes, 30 km/h urban speed limits, and better lighting are critical.

Key Campaign Elements

• #MakeWalkingSafe and #MakeCyclingSafe are the primary hashtags.
• Advocates are encouraged to share stories, host events, and post mobility snapshots.
• Social media awareness campaigns include challenges like the Instagram Story Chain.

Significance

• Encourages governments to invest in safer road designs.
• Promotes a multimodal transport system aligned with the SDGs.
• Aims to build equitable societies by protecting the most vulnerable road users.