The 2026 edition of ROADPOL Safety Days, taking place from 16–22 September, will have its focus on pedestrians as one of the most vulnerable groups on Europe’s roads.
The decision was taken at the recent ROADPOL Operational Working Group meeting in Warsaw, Poland, and subsequently confirmed by the ROADPOL Council. Building on the success of previous campaigns, this year’s theme highlights the urgent need to improve safety for people on foot in increasingly complex and busy urban environments.
Risk
Pedestrians are an essential part of every mobility system. They are present in all road environments, from dense city centres to residential areas and rural communities. Yet they remain at high risk. According to EU road safety data for 2025, pedestrians represented 18% of all road fatalities, compared to 44% for car occupants, 21% for users of powered two‑wheelers, and 9% for cyclists. This underlines that walking, while fundamental and sustainable, still carries significant risk in today’s traffic systems.
Responsibility
The campaign emphasises shared responsibility. Drivers must be more attentive, particularly in urban areas, near crossings, and in zones with high pedestrian activity. Speed management remains a crucial factor, as even small reductions in speed dramatically increase the chances of survival in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Awareness, anticipation, and respect are key elements in reducing risk and preventing avoidable tragedies.
Infrastructure
At the same time, ROADPOL calls on institutions and decision makers to strengthen their commitment to pedestrian safety through infrastructure and policy. Safe and accessible pedestrian crossings, better lighting, clearer road design, and measures that separate pedestrian and vehicle flows are central to reducing conflict. Expanding pedestrian zones and implementing traffic calming strategies, including 30 km/h speed limits in urban areas, have proven effective in cities such as Brussels and Paris, and should continue to be adopted more widely across Europe. By focusing on pedestrians, the 2026 ROADPOL Safety Days aim to raise awareness among the public, encourage behavioural change, and drive long-term improvements in how road systems are designed and managed. The campaign serves as a reminder that safer roads benefit everyone, and that protecting the most vulnerable users is a cornerstone of achieving zero fatalities.
Vision
ROADPOL Operational Working Group Chief Jana Peleskova from the Czech Police commented: “Putting pedestrians at the centre of the 2026 campaign aligns directly with the Vision Zero ambition of eliminating fatalities on European roads by 2050. Reaching this goal requires particular attention to those most exposed and least protected. Pedestrians have no physical protection in collisions, making the consequences of crashes far more severe. By prioritising their safety, ROADPOL and its partners aim to address one of the most critical aspects of road safety and demonstrate that targeted action can save lives”.
As in previous years, ROADPOL invites governments, organisations, communities, and individuals to take part in the campaign and contribute to its mission. Through enforcement, education, and engagement, each action brings Europe one step closer to a future where no one loses their life on the road. The message remains clear and shared across all countries: #ZeroMeansLife
