This spotlight series is dedicated to showcasing the best practices shared by ERSC members. Each month, we highlight a different member’s innovative road safety initiative. By presenting these success stories, we aim to create a collaborative environment where others can recognize, celebrate, and adopt lessons learned and best practices.
Our February spotlight features Minam100, a Lithuanian cycling charity, for their impactful campaign, "Sign for 1.5 metres". The initiative aims to improve road safety for cyclists, and reduce crashes and fatalities, by introducing a new road sign mandating a 1.5-meter overtaking distance for vehicles. This would be the first time such a sign has been introduced in Lithuania, aligning with road safety practices seen in other countries.
Why the Sign for 1.5 Metres initiative has been recognised as Good Practice of the Month
This initiative has been selected as February's Good Practice due to its timely focus on improving cycling safety as we transition from winter to spring cycling season. The Minam100 initiative promotes safer overtaking distances, addressing a critical need for protecting cyclists on the road.
Key inspiration behind the Minam100 initiative
The initiative was launched to improve road safety for cyclists, particularly in response to the concerning rise in cyclist fatalities in Lithuania. In 2023, the number of cyclist deaths tragically increased, with 11 cyclists losing their lives on Lithuanian roads—nearly double the number from the previous year. The increase in fatalities highlighted the vulnerability of cyclists on the road and the need for stronger protective measures.
Project activities
Since its inception in 2023, the project has made great progress, with key activities and milestones including:
- Petition launch and public support: In April 2023, Minam100 launched an online petition to advocate for the adoption of the new 1.5-meter overtaking sign nationwide.
- Collaboration with local authorities: The initiative collaborated with municipalities including Vilnius, Druskininkai, Molėtai, and Ukmergė. These areas approved and installed the new sign, marking the first step towards safer road conditions for cyclists in urban areas.
- Raising awareness: Minam100 worked with national media platforms and social media influencers to spread the message and engage the public and drivers. They also gave presentations in schools, distributed posters to bicycle shops, and designed car stickers supporting the idea of safe overtaking.
Outcomes of the initiative
By early 2024, Minam100 had successfully erected 8 new 1.5-meter signs in Lithuania. The petition garnered over 4,000 signatures, and public feedback has been very positive. Cyclists reported a safer cycling environment in areas with the new signs, with drivers becoming more cautious when overtaking.
Minam100’s efforts have also resulted in increased interest in their broader activities, including women’s cycling training sessions and charity events.
For more information
Read more about the “Sign for 1.5 meters” initiative here – explore the project's activities and outcomes in further detail.
If you want to develop a similar strategy in your local authority or Member State, contact the project lead, Lina Okiene at lina.okiene@gmail.com. Lina can provide further information or advice on the project, as necessary.
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