How Oslo Achieved Zero Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities, and How Others Can Apply What Worked
Mobility Safety & SecuritySummary
For nearly two decades, the city of Oslo has been committed to reducing the number of roadway fatalities and improving pedestrian safety. Its effort paid off in 2019 when it achieved zero traffic fatality in the city. But its success does not come easy. It was only until the number of roadway injuries and fatalities peaked in 2015, did the alarming situation strike a turning point in the city’s transportation planning strategies. The plan starts by shifting from a car-centric design principle to a people-centric one. In planning, this means reducing car traffic and promoting modes of active transport. A series of strategies including rigorous bicycle design standards and allowing for contraflow cycling are carried out to facilitate this change. The safety of vulnerable road users (pedestrians and cyclists) is also another major prioritization in Oslo’s plan. Measures such as speed limit, one-way street and utilizing road crash data are implemented to improve safety. While the city’s plan for transformation is far from complete, its achievement has already set an inspiring and encouraging example to others.