pedestrIAN FIRST
LED BY Maryfely Rincón from colombia
In Bogotá, road crashes continue to be a problem that affects the well-being and safety of people, especially with pedestrians and cyclists being among the most vulnerable. The situation is worsened by the fact that there is a lack of participation in spaces that discuss pedestrian policy. The needs of children, youth, people with disabilities, women, and the elderly remain undiscussed and unresolved.
The Pedestrian First Project aimed to raise awareness around pedestrian vulnerability and the need to respect their integrity. It amplified the message about how road users were co-responsible for creating safer spaces and how they could advocate for safer roads in Bogotá.
The work done through the project touched on the gender approach that also helped protect women within the transport system.
Photo from Road Traffic Signs
ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD
Maryfely is an urban Manager from the Universidad del Rosario (Colombia). She is currently employed as a project coordinator at Despacio, where she works as a data analyst, content creator, and content manager. She is also the creator and editor of documents and publications related to road safety and urban and active mobility.
"I proposed this project because I believe that we can't ignore the fact that people are still dying on the roads every day. No one should die from road crashes! Especially young people and children."
IMPACT SNAPSHOTS
Generated open discussion spaces about pedestrian mobility through Twitter, involving experts, citizens, and civil leaders to raise awareness of local challenges.
Facilitated community engagement and education on road co-responsibility through interactive travel routes using reverse periscopes.
Collected citizen petitions and recommendations via a co-creation workshop, resulting in a manifesto for safe public spaces in Bogotá.
Conducted a round table with Mobility Secretariat decision-makers, ensuring that 9 out of 10 citizen petitions were reflected in the upcoming public policy.
Promoted road safety and active mobility education through a pedagogical circuit during Bogotá’s District Pedestrian Day in alliance with the Mobility Secretariat.
