UK's position on pedestrian safety

[Martin Cassini]

According to a report from the National Audit Office, the UK is 11th in the league table of developed countries for pedestrian road safety. What do they propose? More education. Really. They propose no reform of a system which puts the onus on children - children! - to beware vehicles, when it could and should be the other way round. By accepting the status quo, the NAO - along with most policymakers - collude in a system which is anathema to a safe and civilised public realm.

[Martin Cassini]

The Institute of Advanced Motorists have endorsed the NAO report. "The IAM believe that long-term investment in separate facilities for cycling [NO!] and an improved environment for pedestrians [DEFINE!] is key," said Neil Greig, head of policy and research. “Providing the best possible protection must include more cycle paths [NO!] and better urban design [YES, BUT] for the safety all road users.” Along with virtually every other traffic policy "head", is he missing a crucial point?