Cyclists

Social media is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of young people and young adults in Belgium. The rise of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube has led to a new dynamic in the dissemination of information and opinions. This study stems from the concern that social media can normalise and even glorify not only positive but also risky behaviour in traffic. The main objective of this study was to map the prevalence, nature and impact of such content and thus contribute to a better understanding of the role of social media in road safety.

Over the past ten years, we have collaborated with local governments to install 206 smart traffic systems across Slovenia, including speed displays, COPS@road systems, and safety distance monitors. Each installation involves selecting critical points, implementing the system, and monitoring traffic data before and after to evaluate effectiveness. In 2025, we’re focusing on cyclist safety, adding 16 new systems that also warn about cyclists.

The first major challenge was to make this pastoral action known within the Church's own structure in Ourense. The CEE's Road Pastoral Department was created in Spain more than 50 years ago, but in many dioceses, no initiatives are carried out and priests are unaware of it. The surprising thing was that families, communities, and neighbors, as soon as we began working on these initiatives, began to follow us, asking for more action, and feeling supported in the loneliness caused by the loss of a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, or a car accident. Every year, the number of people participating in the scheduled sessions increases.

Cycling to work is sustainable, accessible, inclusive, low-cost, and healthy.

A mental shift – changing attitudes, perceptions, and habits – is essential before a modal shift can occur, because employees must first believe in the safety, practicality, and benefits of cycling before they are willing to change their daily transport choices.

We focus on the risks associated with cycling to work. Many employees lack the safety awareness and practical skills to navigate these challenges.

We identify three core road safety problems:
1. Distraction while cycling: using smartphones, GPS devices, or headphones significantly impairs attention and reaction time.
2. Inappropriate speed, particularly on electric bicycles: the higher speeds of e-bikes require better anticipation and control, yet many cyclists are unaware of the dangers this poses in mixed traffic.
3. Cycling under the influence: alcohol or drug use, even in small amounts, dramatically reduces a cyclist’s coordination and judgment.

These challenges are compounded by a lack of targeted, practical training for adult commuters. Our project uses immersive virtual reality simulations to allow employees to experience these risks in a controlled environment, raising awareness, changing perceptions, and promoting safer cycling behavior. The ultimate goal is achieving a mental and modal shift toward safer, more sustainable mobility choices.

The main road safety challenges we are addressing relate to the increasing number and vulnerability of older road users in traffic.
As life expectancy increases and people remain mobile longer, the proportion of senior drivers is growing. This trend brings several safety-related challenges:
1. Age-related decline in driving abilities:
With age, many individuals experience reduced visual acuity, slower reaction times, decreased attention span, and limited cognitive and physical flexibility — all of which can impair driving performance and increase crash risk, particularly in complex traffic situations.

2. Lack of awareness about new traffic infrastructure and rules:
Many older drivers may not be familiar with modern traffic features such as roundabouts, dynamic signage, or changes in highway driving behavior. This lack of familiarity can lead to confusion, hesitation, or incorrect maneuvers.

3. Delayed self-recognition of diminished driving fitness:
Seniors often have difficulty recognizing or accepting their own limitations. Without proper guidance, they may continue driving when it is no longer safe, putting themselves and others at risk.

4. Insufficient communication about legal obligations:
Older drivers are often unaware of the legal requirements surrounding driver’s license renewal, mandatory medical assessments, and other responsibilities related to continued driving.

5. Limited knowledge about alternative mobility options:
When it becomes unsafe to drive, older adults may not know what options are available to them, which can lead to social isolation and a decline in independence.

6. Stereotypes and lack of societal support:
Older drivers are often unfairly stigmatized, which may discourage them from seeking help, discussing concerns, or exploring new solutions. At the same time, the broader community may not be sufficiently informed on how to support them.
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Our initiative addresses these problems through a combination of awareness-raising, education, respectful dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders. The goal is to promote safer, more confident participation of older adults in traffic — whether as drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers.

TyreSafe is addressing the critical issue of tyre-related road casualties by equipping all road users with the knowledge to identify and act on poorly maintained or illegal tyres. Our mission follows the Safe System approach, recognising human error and injury tolerances, and aims to eliminate harm through education, engineering, and enforcement. TyreSafe’s focus is on reducing incidents caused by poor tyre maintenance, illegal tread depth, under-inflation, and other defects. Research consistently shows tyres are one of the most neglected safety components. Data from our 2023 Tread Depth Survey revealed over 6 million tyres are replaced annually when already illegal. A 2022 post-collision investigation revealed that 81% of vehicles involved in incidents had tyre defects. Despite this, under-reporting in Police collisions data, Stats19, limits national awareness. TyreSafe’s campaigns, research and stakeholder engagement address this knowledge gap. We work with government, emergency services, tyre industry and other road safety groups to increase understanding and action. TyreSafe’s vision is zero harm from tyre defects on UK roads. By raising awareness, influencing behaviour and advocating for better data and enforcement, we aim to instil long-term change and reduce preventable tyre-related collisions and casualties.