The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a new declaration on improving global road safety, reaffirming the ambition to halve road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. While the declaration is not legally binding, it is likely to influence future road safety policies in Europe and beyond. FEMA will continue to ensure that the interests of motorcyclists are represented as these policies develop.

By a vote of 162 in favour to one against, the UN General Assembly adopted the Progress Declaration of the High-level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety. The declaration commits governments to strengthen national road safety strategies, improve infrastructure, adopt safer vehicle standards and coordinate road safety policies more effectively.

The declaration comes at a time when road safety is climbing higher on the political agenda, not only globally but also within the European Union. The European Commission is currently revising several pieces of transport legislation under its Roadworthiness Package while continuing to promote its ‘Safe System’ approach to reducing casualties on Europe’s roads.

For FEMA, the objective is clear: every road user has the right to travel safely. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users and have every interest in effective road safety policies. However, improving safety requires measures that address the real causes of motorcycle crashes rather than assumptions about motorcycling itself. The UN declaration highlights better governance, improved crash data, safer infrastructure, vehicle safety, education and enforcement. These are all areas where governments can make a genuine difference if policies are developed using sound evidence.

One of the strongest messages emerging from the UN meeting is that road systems should be designed around people rather than vehicles. For motorcyclists, this means infrastructure that recognises the specific characteristics of powered two-wheelers. Good road maintenance, safe road surfaces, motorcycle-friendly crash barriers, forgiving roadsides, well-designed junctions and effective traffic management can significantly reduce the risk of serious crashes. These measures often deliver greater safety benefits than restrictions aimed specifically at motorcycles.

Motorcycle safety needs motorcycle expertise.

During the meeting, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt suggested that every motorcycle should be sold with two UN-certified helmets. Promoting the use of quality helmets is undoubtedly important, but improving motorcycle safety requires a much broader approach. Research consistently shows that motorcycle safety depends on a combination of factors, including:

• road infrastructure designed with motorcycles in mind;
• comprehensive rider education and post-licence training;
• greater awareness of motorcycles among other road users;
• effective vehicle technologies that assist rather than interfere with riding; and
• legislation based on robust crash data and scientific evidence.

Motorcyclists must therefore be involved whenever policies affecting them are developed.

Although the UN declaration is voluntary, international agreements often influence future European legislation. The European Commission has already demonstrated its intention to strengthen road safety policy through the revision of the Roadworthiness Package, proposals concerning driving licences and wider discussions on sustainable mobility and urban transport. FEMA supports measures that demonstrably improve safety, but remains concerned whenever motorcycles are included in legislative proposals without convincing evidence that such measures will reduce casualties. Recent discussions surrounding mandatory periodic technical inspections for motorcycles illustrate why evidence-based policymaking matters. Available research continues to show that rider behaviour, interactions with other road users and infrastructure play a far greater role in motorcycle crashes than technical defects. Future legislation should therefore focus investment where it delivers the greatest safety benefits.

Safe mobility must include motorcycles.

The declaration also links road safety with sustainable transport, climate policy and urban planning. During the General Assembly debate, several countries emphasised that implementation should remain voluntary and respect national priorities. The United States opposed the declaration, arguing that road safety should not become a mechanism for broader environmental or mobility policies.

For FEMA, sustainable mobility must include motorcycles. Powered two-wheelers reduce congestion, require less parking space and offer affordable personal mobility for millions of Europeans. They should be recognised as part of the transport solution, not treated as a problem to be solved. Policies that unintentionally discourage motorcycle use can have unintended consequences for mobility, accessibility and even congestion.

The adoption of the declaration marks another step in the international debate on road safety. As governments and European institutions translate these commitments into future legislation, FEMA will continue working with policymakers, international organisations and fellow stakeholders to ensure that motorcyclists have a seat at the table.

Road safety and freedom of mobility are not competing objectives. By basing decisions on sound evidence and recognising the specific needs of powered two-wheelers, governments can make Europe’s roads safer while preserving the benefits that motorcycles bring to society.

Written by Wim Taal

Source: United Nations

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