Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Angie Angel

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
I work at Despacio as a Project Advisor in the areas of Sustainable and Safe Mobility and Urban Development. I’ve worked on projects related to road safety, active and sustainable mobility, and cycle logistics. Right now, I am part of the team developing Pedestrians First!, one of the winning projects of the Youth Coalition’s Local Actions 2023.

2. How did you first get involved in road safety and how long have you been working in the road safety and sustainable mobility field?
I started working in road safety in October 2021 at Despacio. The first project I supported was to advocate and raise awareness about the need for safer cars in Colombia. I have also supported activities from previous Local Actions projects which focused on the safety of women cyclists in Bogotá.

3. Can you tell us a little about your area's road safety and sustainable mobility situation? 
Regarding road safety, there is still a lot of work to be done. In 2022 there were 8.032 people who lost their lives because of road crashes in Colombia. This represents an increase of 13.06% compared to the recorded number from the previous year. These figures are worrying the fact numbers are growing invites more concern. Since so far in 2023, 613 people have lost their lives in transit according to the National Road Safety Agency. On the other hand, according to the latest Household Travel Survey, in Bogotá, most people travel by public transport and walking.

Because of the expansion of the city’s cycle path network which currently covers 592 kilometers, cycling as an activity and as an alternative mode of transport has been boosted. Along with the expansion, the city also launched a bike-sharing system with electric bikes, hand bikes, and children’s bicycles that can be used for care trips. Cargo bikes and zero-emission electric bikes have also become a common sight. It must be acknowledged, however, that Bogotá is a more urbanized city in Colombia that prioritizes sustainable mobility. This should be a reality throughout the country and not only in the capital.

4. Why do you think it's important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts? 
Young people like me often feel ignored because they tell us that we need about ten years of professional experience to give an opinion. But when we are given space to propose, discuss and lead, we put our skills and knowledge at the disposal of our work. We also put our hearts into it. This may sound a bit romantic but I haven't met a young person who hasn’t become emotional while talking about the first project they were involved in, the first idea they came up with, or the first development they helped bring about. Youth-led projects tend to be the most inclusive and the ones that are closest to the community. Youth projects often focus on closing social gaps and addressing the issues that have been ignored. They do this without fear of the difficulties and barriers that can potentially be faced. Road safety is among the most sidelined yet urgent and challenging problems worldwide. Youth are necessary for transforming the terrifying realities of our cities.

 

5. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety? 
I joined the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety because it is a space where I can get training, strengthen my skills, and learn about the work of young people from all over the world; while I propose ideas and build projects that benefit my community.

 

6. What are your comments on the Youth Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities? 
The Youth Coalition is a space that I have not seen anywhere else. The activities are made for young people by young people and are always aimed at empowering and strengthening our capacities. The opportunity to constantly learn, connect with young people from other parts of the world, and learn from their experiences is invaluable. In addition to the opportunity to develop an idea and lead a project that contributes to road safety in our regions.

7. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the Youth Coalition? 
To the young people who have not yet joined, I can say that I understand what it is like to think that opportunities like the ones the Youth Coalition has are not for you, that you do not have the skills, knowledge, or experience to be able to be a part of it. This, I know because I used to think the same thing when I was outside. I can only tell you not to be afraid, join us and you will be welcome, ask and you will have an answer, propose and you will be heard. Here all voices count.