On November 15, 2024, became a significant date for the Galician Agency of Infrastructure, as one of its mobility projects received a prestigious recognition from the European Road Safety Charter. Since 2014, the agency has been tirelessly working on the creation and development of pedestrian and cycling paths with a primary focus on the safety of the most vulnerable road users: pedestrians and cyclists.
This continued effort has resulted in the creation of over 280 kilometers of paths in Galicia, providing a safe and independent solution from motorized traffic in both urban and rural areas. The achievement has been notable, maintaining an impressive record of zero accidents related to these vulnerable users, demonstrating the success of the project in improving road safety.
The region of Galicia initially faced a challenging context. The main routes between population centers and essential services, such as schools and health centers, were predominantly designed for motorized traffic. This forced pedestrians and cyclists to dangerously share space with cars, as they lacked proper sidewalks or paths, especially in dispersed areas where services are located off these roads.
Faced with this issue, the Galician Agency of Infrastructure committed to improving the situation. It embarked on the challenge of carefully selecting the infrastructure that required intervention, with the goal of implementing safe paths that could effectively integrate with existing roads and allow for safe coexistence between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Since its inception, the project has involved a total investment of over 143.4 million euros, translating to an average of 512 euros per meter of path or sidewalk built. This significant financial effort has transformed mobility in the region, ensuring safer and more accessible transportation for the inhabitants of Galicia. The European-level recognition of this achievement highlights the positive impact of the project on road safety and community well-being.
via: MiMub in Spanish
