After more than 30 years of dedication to road safety science and several Marathon races, I decided to combine both passions for a cause: to run 30 Marathons in 30 months in order to actively promote the adoption of 30km/h speed limit in as many cities as possible worldwide. By running Marathons, during these 30 months, I will promote actively the 30 km/h city-wide speed limits as the best paradigm for safer, healthier, and greener cities.
Speeding is the main cause of road crashes worldwide and the main cause of pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist fatalities in cities
Road crashes is a major societal problem worldwide, with 1,19 million road fatalities per year and more than 50 million of road injuries. Speeding is the number one cause of road crashes worldwide, especially in cities where pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists are highly exposed and vulnerable in case of a collision.
Scientists, we urge continuously for lower speeds worldwide, however speeding remains a model and sought behaviour among most drivers and riders, especially the young; very often promoted or largely tolerated by the society, the Authorities and the industry. The voices of vulnerable road users for less speeding remain weak towards our long-established car and speed centred societies.
The use of mobile phones and other technology while driving is a growing problem and a risk factor on the roads. For many young drivers, the use of electronic devices has become an integral part of life and often continues while driving. Compared to older drivers, young drivers are more likely to use mobile phones, text, listen to music, eat or drink while driving, cycling or walking.
Data from several EU countries show that failure to wear seatbelts in fatal road accidents is more common among young drivers than among older drivers and passengers. There is also much room for improvement in the use of helmets for cyclists in many European countries.
More than 40% of lives have been saved with the introduction of city-wide 30 km/h speed limits across Europe
Recently, some city Authorities have begun to understand the fatal role of speeding on city roads and are trying to implement lower speed policies, often by introducing smaller or larger 30 km/h (20 mph) speed zones; in some cases, city-wide (e.g., the European capital Brussels). Scientific evidence to date shows that over 40% of lives have been saved by introducing 30 km/h zones; along with significant environmental, energy and health impacts, with less fuel consumption and more walking and cycling.
The discussion and introduction of 30 km/h city zones faces strong reactions and rigid inertia, whereas supporters’ voices are weak and inefficient resulting in hesitant politicians and Authorities. That is the reason why I decided to step beyond the continuous scientific pleas and promote more actively the 30 km/h city through my challenge of 30 Marathons in 30 months.
I have been running more or less systematically since my teens, always seeking progress in good health and sustainability in running joy and not in speeding and high performance associated with high probability of injury risks. Systematic and moderate running works well for me and I strongly believe that moderate speeds at safe, healthy and green 30km/h Cities can also work very well for all city travellers.
This challenge is not an easy one at my age, but I am convinced that it fully worth to try it and support as loud as possible the new paradigm of safer, healthier and greener cities through the 30 km/h zones. The sooner they are adopted, the more lives are saved and this is the highest compensation for my cause.
I will do my best to mobilise the society, the Authorities, the industry and everyone involved in the decision-making process to change the current speedy patterns of city transport towards safe, healthy and green mobility everywhere and for all. Starting with the globally recognised research group, the NTUA Road Safety Observatory and the wide network of our worldwide cooperations, I will ally with everyone who wishes to make the voice of 30km/h Cities as strong as possible, as soon as possible.
Interview in Portuguese Road Prevention in April 2024
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