89th Session Summary: (WP1) Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety
This fall, the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP) participated in the 89th session of the UNECE (WP1) Global Forum on Road Traffic Safety, which took place between 23 – 27 September 2024 in Geneva. The Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety serves as the entity within the United Nations dedicated to improving road safety. Its primary function is to serve as guardian for the United Nations legal instruments that harmonize traffic rules and contribute to road safety by addressing the primary factors of road crashes. The Global Forum serves as a platform to support the ongoing development and promotion of road safety best practices across the world.
NGOs, like the IFP, attend the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety in a consultative status. This means, we draw from our specialized background to elevate walking as a legitimate use of public space and to support and encourage people worldwide to choose to walk.
During the 89th session of the Forum, several subjects relevant to pedestrian safety were discussed. Notably:
- Automated vehicle technology continues to be an emerging theme. As such, IFP addressed the Forum, reiterating its position that—if audible/optical signals are used to indicate the status of an automated vehicle—pedestrians should not be expected to change their behavior in the presence of signal. To contribute to the continued dialogue on this important subject, IFP has been invited to present on this subject at the 90th session in March 2025.
- An update to the 1968 Convention of Road Signs & Signals is nearly complete. The Conventions offer international uniformity of road signs, signals, symbols, and markings. The IFP continues to advocate for road signs that promote walkability and clearly communicate driver speed limits – and safe speeds. To support these efforts, the IFP has prepared information about the flexibility that the 1968 Conventions currently gives to interpret signs and add inscriptions, such as driver speed limits.
The IFP looks forward to attending the 90th session of the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety in March 2025, where we will continue to elevate the rights and needs of pedestrians in global discussions.