Pedestrian safety - Global Road Safety Partnership

Pedestrian safety: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners
Appendix 1
Appendix 1
A comprehensive framework for safe
walking: strategic principles
The International Charter for Walking provides a comprehensive framework for
understanding the needs of people on foot and the actions to be undertaken to
provide safe, sustainable, healthy and efficient communities where people choose
to walk. Built on extensive discussions with experts around the world, the charter
presents eight strategic principles, each with a practical list of actions that can
be undertaken in most communities (1). An explanation of each of the eight
principles follows:
• Increased inclusive mobility: People have accessible streets, squares, buildings and
public transport systems regardless of their age, ability, gender, income level,
language, ethnic, cultural or religious background, which strengthen the freedom
and autonomy of all people, and contribute to social inclusion.
• Well designed and managed spaces and places for people: Healthy, convenient and
attractive environments tailored to the needs of people, so they can freely enjoy
the amenities of public areas in comfort and safety away from intrusive noise
and pollution.
• Improved integration of networks: A network of connected, direct and easy to
follow walking routes which are safe, comfortable, attractive and well maintained,
linking homes, shops, schools, parks, public transport interchanges, green spaces
and other important destinations.
• Supportive land-use and spatial planning: Land-use and spatial planning policies
that allow people to walk to the majority of everyday services and facilities,
maximizing the opportunities for walking, reducing car dependency and
contributing to community life.
• Reduced road danger: Streets to be designed and managed to prevent crashes and
to be enjoyable, safe and convenient for people walking – especially children, the
elderly and people with limited abilities. This includes enacting and enforcing road
safety laws.
• Less crime and fear of crime: An urban environment designed, maintained and
policed to reduce crime and the fear of crime, giving people the confidence to
choose to walk.
• More supportive authorities: Authorities provide for, support and safeguard
people’s ability and choice to walk through policies and programmes to improve
infrastructure and provide information and inspiration to walk.
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