ABSTRACT
The main goal of the Living and Walking in City Conferences is exactly that: improving urban quality while promoting safer mobility, especially for the most vulnerable road users. The realisation of public transport networks, cycling lanes and pedestrian facilities is not only meant to develop modes of transport alternative to cars, but it is often a chance for improving common spaces and overall liveability. Even the most traditional approach to road safety that is that of treating 'clustered' accidents, often hides the inner relation between town structure and road safety. The 'area-wide safety approach' is a systematic approach of particular interest and forces the consideration of 'urban planning and design'. The Urban Safety Management scheme, set in UK and developed through several EU funded projects is maybe the most advanced and comprehensive frame for developing a safer urban form. Mobility issues correspond to political processes that are critical to urban development and hence the safety of the road network.
