The level of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians has declined in recent years but this might be as much attributed to a reduction in the level of activity by these modes, than as a result of improvements through road safety. Therefore the two apparently conflicting targets of increasing activity by pedestrians and cyclists and reducing casualties can work together. The White Paper advocates the need for the promotion of cycling and walking policies to be linked together with road safety targets and significantly it is now established that the roads cannot and should not simply be made safer by reducing the level of activity of vulnerable road users. Making facilities and the general environment safer may help encourage greater modal shift, so road safety can have a direct role to play rather than increased activity having a detrimental impact on casualty levels. Tomorrow's Roads does, however, emphasise the role of Local Transport Plans and of individuals taking responsibility for and helping themselves.
Further advice is available from a range of sources.
Preparing a Walking Strategy' . There is no easy answer but what is recognised is the need for planning for all modes at the earliest of stages of schemes, safety audit to ensure schemes do not compromise the safety of vulnerable road users and the need for sufficient resources. The main areas for action are to encourage lower vehicle speeds, implement traffic calming and local safety schemes and to provide the training for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to make them better road users. The CycleSafe Framework provides real advice but each area has its own unique problems, which should be identified and addressed through the Local Authorities Local Transport Plan and Local Road Safety Strategy.