On April 13, 2009, as the central event accompanying implementation of the Nationwide Traffic Safety Campaign in spring, a Central Meeting was held to carry out citizen-involvement projects that promote traffic safety education such as providing instructions on the use of crossings and holding bicycle classes etc for newly enrolled children which was at the attention by Prime Minister Aso, the cabinet ministers concerned etc at Haginaka Elementary School in Ohta-ku.

Traffic safety education at elementary school.

## [Maintenance of safe smooth road traffic environment]

1. Measures for residential roads etc

With residential roads in areas where traffic accidents related to pedestrians and bicycle riders frequently occur the aim is to promote route measures that maintain a walking space network which pedestrians can freely use through the maintenance of sidewalks and barrier-free walking spaces etc, zonal measures in creating zones that allow first priority to pedestrians and bicycles, and the road structure etc by controlling the speed of vehicles through speed bumps and chicanes etc. Measures are also being used on outskirt roads through controlling vehicles being able to pass other vehicles within the area, securing smooth traffic through major thoroughfares on outskirt roads through improving etc intersections, as well as through the aim of controlling the approach and speed of detouring traffic and the smooth traffic stream through major thoroughfares and securing the safe and smooth passage of pedestrians and bicycle riders by focused implementation of conversion of traffic signals to LED systems, and efforts to enhance the visibility of road signs and markers and maintain optical beacons and traffic information boards etc on peripheral major thoroughfares.

Moreover, traffic accident prevention measures of the point and line type are being carried out at dangerous points and routes for pedestrians and bicycle riders that reflect the opinions of local residents etc through use of an "Accident prevention measures on residential roads manual" on other residential roads.

In addition, emphasis is being placed on roads that are used as the main routes in daily life as important maintenance districts, based on the law concerning the promotion of the smooth movement of elderly people and physically handicapped people etc (Heisei 18, law 91), preparation of acoustic signals etc, use of separate pedestrian and vehicle signals, and brighter road markings to improve visibility etc.

2. Creation of safe stress-free school walking routes, etc.

Traffic safety measures are being intensively implemented along school routes where the risk of accidents is high and that many elementary school children use, including “Safe Pedestrian Areas” and “Life Zone Routes”. In this case, the creation of safe stress-free walking spaces, including simple methods such as coloring the pavement of shoulders differently and installing protection fences is being promoted in regions where maintenance of the pavements etc, for example in urban areas, is difficult.

3. Enhancement of bicycle traffic environments

In securing the safety of bicycle riders and pedestrians measures to enhance bicycle roads and bicycle parking lots, and installation of traffic belts etc for bicycles only are being intentionally promoted.

The approach of completing at an early stage in particular of a model district business in preparing a bicycle traffic environment is being emphatically promoted.

4. Measures for major thoroughfares

At “black spot” designated intersections and road sections that have had a high incidence of casualty inflicting accidents efforts are being made to improve intersections and to intensively enhance traffic safety facilities etc, including pavements.

5. Maintenance of road network and promotion of high standard road usage Systematic maintenance of roads is being promoted so that their functionality can be properly shared by network form major thoroughfares of the high standard of roads within residential area. Moreover, promotion of use of major thoroughfares of the high standard of safety of local roads is being pursued.