The impact of engineering design of streets and roads on the safety of pedestrians and cyclists

Abstract

The article examines the role of engineering design of streets and roads as one of the key factors in ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in modern urban space. The regulatory framework of Ukraine is reviewed and compared with European approaches based on different concepts. It is presented that an effective road safety system should combine engineering, environmental and social aspects aimed at creating a comfortable space for all road users.

Particular attention is paid to the environmental aspects of the design and operation of the street and road network. In particular, the problem of winter street maintenance and the impact of deicing materials on the environment and road safety are considered based on the results of the study presented in [11]. It is determined that environmentally oriented management of operational processes can significantly reduce the negative impact on soils, water resources and green spaces, while simultaneously increasing the safety of road users.

The paper analyzes the current problems of the development of Ukrainian transport infrastructure – outdated approaches to design, insufficient funding, limited integration of the bicycle network and low level of public participation. At the same time, promising areas of modernization are outlined: implementation of European safety standards, creation of comprehensive programs for the development of sustainable mobility, digital monitoring of dangerous areas and training of a new generation of engineers and urban planners.

It is concluded that improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is possible only if engineering innovations, environmental responsibility and systemic management of urban space are combined. The implementation of these approaches will contribute to the formation of safe, environmentally balanced and people-centered streets in Ukrainian cities.