Road safety is a major concern in every city around the world and this is why it will be a central theme of the next Velo-city 2018, Rio.

The sometimes difficult co-existence of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians requires shared responses and in-depth analysis. In particular, with regard to bicycles, it is necessary to invest in cycling infrastructures separated from motor traffic and adopt lower speed limits (30km/h zones). In the recent years the city of Rio de Janeiro is taking several initiatives in order to improve cycling safety, including the implementation of 30 km/h zones based on the European model.

Many European cities have already adopted 30km/h zones in order to restrict the use of private cars and encourage the use of bicycles on streets in either directions.

In streets where speed is already low and there is a high bike traffic, separating these areas provides safety for the bicycles and increase their use. In addition, Article 58 of the Brazilian Traffic Code allows the movement of bicycles in the opposite direction to cars, so long as there is specific signaling.

In 2008 Transporte Ativo presented to the Municipality and the Secretary of State for Transport a plan of 30km /h zones. On 22 September 2009 (World Car Free Day) the internal streets of Copacabana (Rio) adopted the 30 km/h speed limit, a proposal made by Transporte Ativo and sponsored by the Municipality. The measure is having a very positive impact on the traffic flow of the neighborhood, which does not include many vehicles given its high population density.

The proposal was so well received that it has been implemented in other parts of the city. In 2010 nine new 30km/h zones were created, granting a more harmonic coexistence among street users in different parts of the city.

Text: Transporte Ativo