New Safe School Zone Unveiled at School Number 71 and 114 During UN Global Road Safety Week

As the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week draws to a close, a significant milestone was achieved today in Yerevan with the inauguration of a new safe school zone at School Number 71 and 114. The initiative, based on successful models from France and Belgium, introduces 30km/h speed limits and enhanced road markings to protect students at two educational institutions in the Armenian capital.

Pioneering Road Safety Measures for Yerevan's Schoolchildren

The newly implemented safe school zone was officially launched today at Yerevan Basic School № 71 Named After Nelson Stepanyan, located in the Kentron administrative district. The project represents a concrete step toward improving pedestrian safety for schoolchildren in line with the theme of this year's UN Global Road Safety Week: "make walking and cycling safe."

Special 30km/h speed limit signs have been installed in the vicinity of both schools, complemented by freshly painted road markings designed to alert drivers to the presence of young pedestrians. This approach mirrors successful initiatives in France and Belgium, where reduced speed limits around schools have proven effective in preventing accidents and reducing the severity of injuries when they do occur.

High-Level Support Underscores Importance of Initiative

The inauguration ceremony brought together an impressive array of officials, highlighting the multi-sectoral commitment to road safety in Armenia. Dr. Siddharta Datta, WHO Representative, delivered the opening remarks, setting the stage for a series of addresses emphasising the critical importance of protecting vulnerable road users, particularly children.

Mr. Poghos Shahinyan, Executive Director of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), spoke about the organization's ongoing efforts to implement the Safe System Approach in Armenia. The NRSC has been at the forefront of advocating for 30km/h speed limits around school zones, hospitals, and other areas where vulnerable road users and traffic mix.

"School zones are not just marked by boundaries but by a shared commitment to road safety. In the deceleration of speed, we forge a shield around education," remarked Shahinyan, reiterating the NRSC's dedication to protecting Armenia's youngest citizens.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Armen Mkrtchyan, addressed the enforcement aspects of the new safe zone, while the Director of the Republican Ambulance Service provided insights into the medical consequences of road accidents involving children and how reduced speeds can significantly impact survival rates.

Ms. Francoise Jacob, UN Resident Coordinator, emphasized the global context of this local initiative, connecting it to broader sustainable development goals and the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.

Pilot Project with Potential for Nationwide Expansion

Today's inauguration represents a pilot project that stakeholders hope will demonstrate the effectiveness of 30km/h zones around educational institutions. In 2022 alone, 31 children died and over 800 were injured in road crashes in Armenia, underscoring the urgent need for targeted safety interventions.

Evidence from similar projects in the region has been promising. For example, road safety upgrades around three school zones in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, resulted in a 50% reduction in road casualties, with over 75% of teachers and parents reporting a perceived reduction in vehicle speeds.

Part of a Global Movement During UN Road Safety Week

The timing of this inauguration, during the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week (May 12-18, 2025), is particularly significant. This year's campaign focuses specifically on making walking and cycling safe through evidence-based interventions grounded in a comprehensive safe system approach.

Road traffic injuries represent a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with approximately 1.2 million people killed and up to 50 million injured annually. They are the leading killer of young people aged 5-29 years, with more than one in four deaths occurring among pedestrians and cyclists globally.

The school zone initiative in Yerevan directly addresses this critical issue by implementing proven safety measures in areas where children are most vulnerable. Safe walking and cycling have been shown to contribute not only to road safety but also to making people and societies healthier while ensuring that cities are equitable and sustainable.

Collaborative Organisation and Future Plans

Today's event was jointly organised by the WHO Yerevan office and the National Road Safety Council of Armenia, reflecting the collaborative approach needed to address road safety challenges. The NRSC has previously worked with Armenian Traffic Police to implement pilot 30km/h school zones in Yerevan to demonstrate the effectiveness of lower speeds.

As this latest initiative takes root at Schools Number 71 and 114, organizers expressed hope that the model could be expanded to other educational institutions throughout Yerevan and eventually across Armenia, creating a comprehensive network of safe school zones that protect the country's most vulnerable road users.

With the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week concluding tomorrow, this inauguration serves as a fitting demonstration of how global road safety initiatives can be translated into concrete local action, making streets safer for Armenia's schoolchildren one zone at a time.