The mobility needs of people who walk and cycle – often the majority of citizens in a city – continue to be overlooked. Even though the benefits of investing in pedestrians and cyclists can save lives, help protect the environment and support poverty reduction. The UN Environment Emission gap report (2017) clearly states the world must urgently and dramatically increase its ambition to cut roughly a further quarter off predicted 2030 global greenhouse emissions and have any chance of minimizing dangerous climate change. Meeting the needs of people who walk and cycle continues to be a critical part of the mobility solution for helping cities de-couple population growth from increased emissions, and to improve air quality and road safety.
No-one should die walking or cycling to work or school. The price paid for mobility is too high, especially because proven, low-cost and achievable solutions exist. That is why the Share the Road Programme (launched in 2008 by UN Environment and the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society) continues to act as an advocate for action, in highlighting best practice and as a convening authority - working with countries around the world to prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists.
Joyce Msuya, Acting Executive Director, UN Environment recently said “people across the world are now talking about the environment each and every day. It may not necessarily be all good news but the state of the environment and our planet, has greater visibility today, than ever before. We have an enormous opportunity to make a difference”. It is against this hopeful backdrop that we share our progress in 2018 as we strive for a world where pedestrians and cyclists can travel to work, to school and beyond in safety.
