ABSTRACT
Deaths among pedestrians and cyclists, the most vulnerable road users and whose use of the roads is being encouraged for reasons of health and sustainability, account for 29% of all road deaths across the EU. Pedestrians killed represent 21% and cyclists 8% of all road deaths.
Deaths of unprotected road users have been decreasing at a slower rate than those of vehicle occupants. Since 2010 the reduction in the number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths has slowed down markedly. The safety of unprotected road users should therefore receive special attention from policymakers at the national and European levels. As active travel is being encouraged, the safety of walking and cycling in particular must be addressed urgently.
In 2018 the Commission is going to propose revisions to the Pedestrian Protection Regulation and the General Safety Regulation which provides an opportunity to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety by setting new vehicle standards.
