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Recently, an important round table discussion about cycling safety was conducted in Paris. SAFER’s researcher and cycling expert, Marco Dozza, participated in the dialogue.

The Round table brought together a broad range of international stakeholders and experts. They shared their experience on cycling safety questions and discussed the policy options for reducing traffic injuries whilst promoting active travel. Marco shares his experience from the event:

What can you tell me about your participation at the round table sponsored by the OECD and organized by the International Transport Forum?
The fact that an organization such as OECD sponsors a round table on cycling safety shows the increasing importance of this topic in Europe, and comes with the promise that new policies and research on cycling safety will be promoted in the future both nationally within the EU and at European level.

What did you get out of your involvement?
A reality check. Academic people, like myself, contribute to cycling safety with research results. Our aim is publishing our results and we trust other institutions, such as the road authorities, to use our results to improve cycling safety. These organizations were present at the round table. By listening at how they think and work, I could reflect on whether and how our research results reach these stakeholders and help their decision making.

What was your role at the event?
I was invited because of my track-record on research about cyclist behavior and bicycle crash causation, and my involvement in the international cycling safety community (www.cyclingsafety.net). My role at the round table was to bring insights from cycling safety research in Sweden and represent the academic community.

What did you talk about?
We talked about safety in numbers, the impact of new forms of cycling (e.g. e-bikes) on safety, the safety of bicycle sharing systems, and the potential of light segregation to increase cycling safety.

What does it mean for SAFER Vehicle and Traffic Safety Centre at Chalmers that you were invited?
It is a recognition that the research that Chalmers has performed at SAFER on cycling safety is recognized internationally, and considered among the most prominent in Europe.

The ITF works for transport policies that improve peoples’ lives. ITF organises global dialogues for better transports and acts as a platform for discussion and pre-negotiation of policy issues across all transport modes. They analyse trends, share knowledge and promote exchange among transport decision-makers and civil society. The ITF’s Annual Summit is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and the leading global platform for dialogue on transport policy.