Mots clé benefits and risks; target groups; urban planning; infrastructure; facilities and services

In response to problems of congestion, pollution and lack of safety in urban areas, the promotion of non-motorized modes of transports, such as walking and cycling can alleviate environmental and health impacts. A number of awareness-raising initiatives are carried out in many countries within international (e.g. EU Car Free Days) and national frameworks. Several research projects (e.g. ADONIS, WALCYING, INFFORM, etc.) have produced new knowledge about effective tools and policies to promote public transport, walking and cycling.

UNECE Governments have agreed on new definitions of “cycle track” and “cycle lane” to be included in the 1968 Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic and on Road Signs and Signals. A new chapter on the safety of pedestrians has been approved for the UNECE Consolidated Resolution on Road Traffic. Examples of possible actions in the framework of THE PEP are:

• Further development and extension to eastern European countries of awareness raising activities/ dissemination of good practices;
• Promotion of cycling and walking focusing also on the health effects of physical activity. The development of WHO Guidelines to carry out health impact assessments of transport policies on levels of walking and cycling and related health effects could form a basis to quantify these health effects and make them part of the cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness assessments of transport and land use policies at the urban level.