SSAFER ROADS IN HASSELT AND DIEPENBEEK NOW

BY BRIAN SSEMWANGA FROM BELGIUM

Safer roads to Hasselt and Diepenbeek now is a project to be implemented by the Transportation Science Network of Hasselt University in Belgium. Cyclist and pedestrian victims of road crashes have substantially increased in Hasselt and Diepenbeek therefore the project aims to improve the safety of students who cycle and walk to academic institutions in Hasselt and Diepenbeek.

The most popular means of transportation for young people in Hasselt and Diepenbeek are cycling, walking, and commuting. Because most students live in student homes at close proximity with the academic institutions, most students prefer to cycle because it’s cheap, convenient, and eco-friendly.

Last 2021, another local actions project called “Moving Safe to Hasselt University” was successfully implemented. The project lead road safety education and awareness campaigns at Hasselt University in Belgium for international students from outside the European Union around the importance of safe and sustainable mobility.

The project goal is to make cycling and walking safe in Hasselt and Diepenbeek for students by reviewing the weaknesses and gaps that exist within the ten stretches and intersections of road infrastructure within the areas and presenting the data to key stakeholders.

ABOUT THE PROJECT LEAD

Brian is 31 years and 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 trucks 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.

ABOUT THE LEAD ORGANISATION

Transportation Sciences networK (TSN)

The Transportation Sciences Network 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.