Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5 to 29, according to the WHO. Moreover, in a collision with a vehicle travelling at 80 km/h, the pedestrian has a three times higher risk of death than if the collision occurs at 50 km/h.

On August 17, 2019, coinciding with Pedestrian Day, the intersection of Avenida México, Belisario Domínguez and Avenida Centanario, in Coyoatán, was intervened. The aim was to make school zones safer and more inclusive for the most vulnerable road users. Two schools converge here and more than 1,500 students pass through every day.

A road safety study identified a lack of effective signage, a lack of speed control, poor accessibility for people with disabilities and unregulated directional turns.

In order to make better use of the space and reduce car speeds, 300 square metres were redesigned, with the logistics, tactical layout and paint application, and the cultural and recreational activities of the day being designed together.

Although the action was supposed to be temporary, long-term objectives are taken into account to improve the quality of life of the community. In the future, the design, implementation and permanent activation will also be pursued.

This intervention was carried out by WRI Mexico in collaboration with the Secretariat of Mobility of Mexico City, the Mayor’s Office of Coyoacán, neighbours of the area and more than 25 volunteers.

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Photos by: @wri_mexico