AdvancIng lower speedS In Lusaka
LED BY Chilekwa O'Brien from zambia
The project will focus on creating and advocating for 30 KM/h speeds in pedestrian zones, particularly in areas where pedestrians are more at risk of being hit by vehicles.
To achieve this, the project will bring together key stakeholders in the city to contribute to consultative meetings that will identify existing specific high-risk pedestrian areas in the city and collect information on the pedestrian traffic volume in designated areas. The initial assessments of the traffic injury profile will result in the creation of teaching materials on the topic of road safety.
The project will lead public awareness and education campaigns to inform drivers of the importance of adhering to the 30 KM/h pedestrian speed zones. It will also be a way to advocate for the implementation of 30KM/h pedestrian speed zones in areas where they are not currently in place. Projected outcomes include the installation of better road infrastructure and established partnerships with road safety stakeholders.
Photo from Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety
ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD
Chilekwa is a 26-year-old demographer and road safety advocate working as a research evaluation associate at Zambia Road Safety Trust (ZRST) in Zambia. Chilekwa is passionate about promoting active and sustainable mobility to reduce the risk of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, particularly among vulnerable road users.
His work involves conducting research and evaluating road safety programs, focused on identifying effective strategies to improve safety and reduce risks on the road. He has a deep sense of compassion and a desire to create a safer and more equitable environment and transportation system that benefits everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or physical ability.
Through his work at ZRST, he gained a deep understanding of the complex challenges facing road users in Zambia and has committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders, community leaders, and policymakers to promote positive change.
PROJECT UPDATES
The Zambia Road Safety Trust began its operations by finalizing preparations for user mapping efforts. The team coordinated its members to ensure that fieldwork is safe for all involved. “Our collective commitment is to ensure safer roads for everyone and we invite you to our endeavors to promote global road safety”
Following the meeting, the team set out on a two-day non-motorized transport (NMT) user safety mapping survey across five high-density pedestrian zones in Lusaka, Zambia. Through the survey, Zambia Road Safety Trust gathered different insights into the mobility experiences of vulnerable road users in the area. The survey also shed light on which risk factors these road users encounter.
The Local Actions team behind the “Advancing Lower Speeds in Lusaka” project has successfully implemented one of their project’s goals which seeks to create road infrastructure improvements at Lusaka Primary School. The infrastructure developments include the installation of traffic signs, painted pedestrian crossings and road markings, placed bollards strategically, and a strategic speed hump placed to help reduce and control motor vehicle speed in the school zone.
Through these developments, project leader Chilekwa O’Brien and his team was able to promote a safer environment for students and other road users. It also sought to improve traffic awareness and demarcate safe pathways for pedestrians, especially school kids.
PROJECT GALLERY
