A ROAD transformation programme to ensure the safety of students has kicked off in two Kuala Lumpur schools.

The project was undertaken by the Global Designing Cities Initiative (GDCI), a partner under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, multi-country programme that aims to reduce road crash fatalities and injuries.

The first phase of the project involved the routes used by students of SK Danau Kota 2 and SMK Danau Kota in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, which were redesigned with the participation of the students themselves.

GDCI programme manager Jashwanth Tej K. said the initiative also received feedback from parents and school teachers.

He said the children and their guardians participated in several activities aimed at allowing them to reimagine their paths and express their choice of routes to the schools.

Jashwanth said about 60 students designed their path on paper, using puzzle pieces to depict trees and playgrounds.

“Parents also participated in activities designed to help them see the city from a child’s perspective,” he said.

He said during the activities, parents and guardians used a periscope to see the routes from a height of 95cm, which is the average height of a three-year-old child.

“They were able to understand the challenges children face when crossing the street, their exposure to car exhaust, broken footpaths and the lack of safe infrastructure around schools.

“Recognising the needs and perspectives of young children, GDCI incorporated their needs and designed and created safe roads for them which was launched and is being used today,” he said.

Jashwanth said the routes need to be safer and enjoyable as children risk their lives every day making their way to school and back home.

“By improving their walking experience, we not only contribute to their health and wellbeing, but can also build opportunities to develop their cognitive and motor skills,” he added.

Bloomberg Philanthropies director Kelly Larson said the effort requires a holistic approach that includes law enforcement and strategic communications.

She said roads need to be designed with all users in mind and strong data to understand the actions needed to prevent road crashes.

Larson said Malaysia was among the 15 countries selected for the programme because of its high record of road accidents in the last 30 years, coupled with the high death rate of motorcyclists.

In addition, the programme costing US$240 million (RM1.06 billion) was implemented by Bloomberg in 30 cities, including in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

“We are very grateful to DBKL for giving their full cooperation to run a pilot programme involving two schools in Kuala Lumpur,” she said.

She added that the process of redesigning safe roads aims to provide better services to more people, especially children.

“If the roads are suitable and safe for children, then it is suitable for everyone,” she said. – October 8, 2023.