Photo by Flickr / Tulenheimo

The European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) for 30km/h streets in cities and villages is coming to a close on November 13, 2013. It has garnered 44 000 signatures – not enough to pass the ECI but nevertheless sending a strong signal for change to politicians.

The initiative, which calls for an EU-wide 30km/h speed limit in villages and cities, looks to improve traffic safety for everyone.

As widely mentioned in our previous endorsement of this campaign, to shift from 50km/h to 30km/h speed limit means safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians.

There is a 95% chance of surviving a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle at 30km/h – the chance of survival drops to only 50% when the motor vehicle is travelling 50km/h. A 30km/h speed limit is a simple way to calm traffic and make our streets safer for all users.

A recent study in French-speaking Wallonia and Brussels showed a great desire for and acceptance of 30km/h speed limits in cities and villages, especially where there are schools and children.

In Italy, legislation has been announced with 30km/h speed limits as the central proposition.

Finally, the European Environmental Agency (EEA) reported on the harmful effects of a certain type of pollution coming from tire wear, brake wear, and road abrasion. Improving vehicle motors will not be enough to reduce all these pollutants, but slower speeds can help!

Despite not gathering enough signatures to go forward with the ECI, the 30km/h speed limit remains a strong initiative with results coming through from beyond the initial initiative. Calming traffic saves lives. As the ECI for 30km/h comes to a close, let’s continue to strive for safer streets for everyone in the EU.