A Collective Commitment to Safer Roads in Seychelles

Every day, 1.19 million lives are lost due to road crashes globally—an ongoing crisis affecting individuals, families, and communities. The Seychelles is no exception, with a 40% increase in fatal accidents, disproportionately affecting young people, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

This UN Road Safety Week, we reaffirm our commitment to saving lives through the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign—an initiative led by the United Nations in partnership with JCDecaux to promote safer roads and responsible mobility.

Seychelles: Addressing Road Fatalities

Recent trends indicate a rising number of road-related deaths, particularly amongst vulnerable road users. Walking and cycling are essential transport options, contributing to health, environmental sustainability, and economic accessibility, yet remain high-risk activities without proper safety measures.

The 2025 theme for UN Road Safety Week focusses on making walking and cycling safer, more accessible, and encouraged through strategic interventions. Seychelles must act now to ensure safe mobility for all.

UN Agencies Supporting Walking & Cycling Safety in Seychelles

The United Nations system in Seychelles is committed to improving pedestrian and cyclist safety through various initiatives:

• WHO’s Walk for Life Campaign: This initiative encourages walking as a daily habit, promoting its benefits for heart health, diabetes prevention, and overall well-being.
• Infrastructure Advocacy: UN agencies support efforts to expand pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, including safe crossings, footpaths, and protected cycling lanes.
• Public Awareness & Education: Campaigns highlight helmet safety, speed management, and responsible road behaviour to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
• Policy Engagement: Partnering with the government to introduce 30 km/h zones where motorised traffic interacts with pedestrians and cyclists.

These efforts align with the Decade of Action for Road Safety, reinforcing the UN’s commitment to safer, healthier, and more sustainable mobility in Seychelles.

Building Safer Roads for Pedestrians & Cyclists

To improve walking and cycling safety, the Seychelles must implement targeted interventions:

• Lower speed limits: Enforcing 30 km/h zones in areas with mixed traffic to reduce crash severity.
• Dedicated infrastructure: Expanding pedestrian crossings, footpaths, and protected bike lanes.
• Traffic segregation: Ensuring walkers and cyclists are separate from fast-moving motorised vehicles.
• Helmet safety: Encouraging proper use of quality bicycle helmets to prevent head injuries.

These actions will enhance road safety and encourage healthier, greener, and more sustainable transport choices.

Walking & Cycling: A Healthier, Greener Future

Safer walking and cycling support public health, climate action, and social equity:

• Health benefits: Walking 30 minutes daily or cycling 20 minutes most days lowers risks of heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and cancer, reducing mortality rates by at least 10%.
• Environmental impact: Choosing to walk or cycle reduces carbon emissions, helping mitigate climate change.
• Equitable mobility: Safe walking and cycling ensure all citizens, regardless of income, can access essential services safely.

Road Safety & the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Decade of Action for Road Safety aims to halve road-related deaths by 2030, supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3: Good Health & Well-being and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities).

Seychelles stands with global partners to ensure safe mobility is a right, not a privilege. Road safety isn’t just about statistics—it’s about protecting lives.

Every One of Us Can Make a Difference

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility—whether we are drivers, passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. Let’s commit to responsible driving, following traffic regulations, and advocating for safer roads.

This UN Road Safety Week, let’s not just acknowledge the problem—let’s act to build a safer Seychelles together.

Find out more here.