SOTERIA and PHOEBE Share Joint Perspectives on Urban Road Safety at IRTAD Conference

Researchers and experts from the SOTERIA and PHOEBE projects have jointly reflected on key challenges and opportunities in urban road safety, based on discussions from two dedicated sessions held during the 8th IRTAD Conference in Athens on 16 April. This joint publication brings together insights from both EU-funded initiatives, which share a common ambition to enhance safety in increasingly complex urban environments, particularly for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and micromobility users (see publication [here]).

While approaching the topic from different angles, both projects underline the need to move beyond traditional crash-based analysis towards more integrated, data-driven, and predictive safety frameworks. Among the main challenges identified are data harmonisation, GDPR-related restrictions, and the integration of emerging technologies into existing systems. Stakeholder engagement and user acceptance are also highlighted as key enablers for successful implementation.

The joint reflection further emphasises the value of combining bottom-up approaches—focused on user behaviour and local engagement—with top-down methodologies such as modelling and simulation, supporting the development of more effective and holistic road safety strategies.

Read the publication here.