SAFER ROADS IN HASSELT AND DIEPENBEEK NOW

BY BRIAN SSEMWANGA FROM BELGIUM

Safer Roads to Hasselt and Diepenbeek Now addressed the rise in cyclist and pedestrian crashes involving students in the region. Building on the 2021 "Moving Safe to Hasselt University" campaign, the project prioritised safe, sustainable transport for the student population. The team identified infrastructure weaknesses across key stretches and intersections and presented these data-driven findings to stakeholders to advocate for improved safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

Brian is a student at Hasselt University doing a Master of Science in Transportation Sciences. He has a background in Transport and Logistics management with 7 years of experience in heavy truck mechanics.

During his previous work experiences, he lost close friends to road crashes, many of whom were young truck drivers. The increasing number of young people lost to road crashes on our roads every day is what motivates him to stand up and act and contribute to a safer transportation experience in every way possible.

IMPACT SNAPSHOTS

• Engaged students and youth leaders in identifying and prioritising 61 unsafe infrastructure elements, empowering 26 participants with GIS data collection and analysis skills.

• Trained youth leaders in road safety, creating 76 new advocates and increasing community awareness of road safety issues among students.

• Communicated evidence-based recommendations to stakeholders to trigger action and improve road safety for soft mobility users in Hasselt and Diepenbeek.

ABOUT THE LEAD ORGANISATION

Transportation Sciences networK (TSN)

The Transportation Sciences Network (TSN) is an interactive platform connecting Transportation professionals and academics worldwide, with a specific and unique focus on transportation challenges. It is under the Institute of transportation at Hasselt University.